On 5 September, teacher’s Day is coming. It is a huge day for teachers as well as students. Teachers play a significant role in shaping the future of society. Their role in our society signifies the importance of education in our lives to recognise and celebrate their contributions and that’s why we celebrate where teacher’s Day. This day is celebrated in many countries around the globe. In the context of India, its importance is appreciated across the world as it resonates with the ancient Guru Shishya (Teacher and student) tradition of India which has been followed for thousands of years.
Teacher’s Day is celebrated in India on September 5 every year to remember the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who was a far-sighted philosopher, scholar, teacher, and the second President of the Republic of India. Here we will go deep into the history of Teacher’s Day, its importance, and why we celebrate it.
Teacher’s Day also resonates with the mindset of the Indian masses and their culture as they revere the ancient Guru Shishya Parampara that translates to the rich tradition of Teachers and Students in India. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times when the tradition of honoring teachers was deeply rooted in Indian culture. This Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) relationship has been a major aspect of Indian education that teaches respect and reverence for teachers. However, India officially declared September 5th as Teacher’s Day in 1962.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who was born on September 5, 1888, was a prominent figure and a strong advocate for the need for education in the masses. He was born in a Brahmin family in the present-day state of Tamil Nadu in India on September 5, 1988. His firm belief was that teachers must be recognized and respected for their contributions to society in ancient times. After he took his oath as the President of India his students contacted him and suggested celebrating his birthday on September 5.
After listening to them Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan suggested that the day should be devoted to the teachers and should be celebrated as Teachers Day instead of celebrating his birthday. His great vision and noble gesture were the starting point of Teacher’s Day in India, and since then, it has been celebrated every year on the same day of the year.
Teacher’s DaySignificance
Teacher’s Day has huge importance in our lives as it allows us to remember and acknowledge the role and dedication of educators in our society. It reminds us of the challenges teachers face in their profession and personal lives and also the important role they play in influencing the lives of students. There can be many reasons why Teacher’s Day is celebrated:
Recognition of Contributions: Teacher’s Day serves as a platform to recognize the amount of contributions of teachers in the field of education and shaping society. It showcases their hard work and dedication in nurturing young minds and developing curiosity for learning.
Inspiration for Students: The Teacher’s Day is an inspiration for students to be grateful for their teachers and understand the role of education in our society. It encourages them to value the worth of knowledge taught by educators.
Strengthening Teacher-Student Relationships: Teacher’s Day creates a sense of unity and builds stronger relations between teachers and students. It allows the students to convey their appreciation and respect for their teachers.
Encouragement for Educators: Teacher’s Day also plays an important role in motivating educators for their commendable work in providing quality education. It also presents their dedication to work hard and encourages them to work continuously for excellence in their profession.
Promotion of Educational Values: The Teacher’s Day emphasizes the importance of education and the vital role that teachers serve in our society. It also encourages continuous improvements in educational policies in sync with changing world and present-day requirements.
In India, Teacher’s Day is revered and celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. Across India, schools and other educational institutions arrange various events to honor teachers. Below are some widespread ways Teacher’s Day is celebrated across India:
Cultural Programs: Educational institutions along with the students often organize cultural programs which include dance performances, dramas, and songs dedicated to the teachers to entertain and appreciate the teachers. Such celebrations display the creativity and talent of students to express their gratitude for their teachers.
Speeches and Presentations: Students deliver appreciation speeches and presentations to showcase the importance and contributions of the teachers in our society.
Gifts and Tokens of Appreciation: On this day, Students show their love for the teachers by presenting them the gifts, cards, and flowers as a gesture of respect.
Special Assemblies: Many schools arrange special assemblies wherein the teachers are honored for their achievements and their popularity amongst the students. They also present different awards and certificates to exceptional teachers and their successes in the field of education.
Workshops and Seminars: Workshops and seminars are organized by some educational institutions on educational topics to promote growth and development for teachers.
Teacher’s Day Celebrations Across the World
Teacher’s Day is celebrated not only in India on September 5th but also across the world in many countries on different dates. The World Teachers’ Day is declared on October 5 by UNESCO in the year 1994 to honor teachers globally. Every country celebrates this day in unique ways that particularly reflect the cultural values and educational priorities of different countries.
The United States of America celebrates National Teacher’s Day on the first Tuesday of May every year, which continues for the whole week.
In Australia, they celebrate it every year on the last Friday of October.
Despite the different dates it is celebrated across the world, the essence of Teacher’s Day and its significance remains the same to commemorate and appreciate the role teachers play in shaping our society.
