NATIONAL TEACHERS DAY -
SEPTEMBER 5
National Teachers' Day
is celebrated in India every year on September 5 to honor the birth anniversary
of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the country's second President and a renowned
scholar and teacher.
The choice of September
5th as Teacher’s Day is not arbitrary. It marks the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan, a towering figure in the world of education and philosophy, born
in 1888. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s contributions to education were so impactful that
when he became the second President of India in 1962, his students and friends
proposed celebrating his birthday as a special occasion. However, in his
characteristic humility, Dr. Radhakrishnan suggested that rather than
celebrating his birthday, the day should be observed as Teacher’s Day, a day
dedicated to recognizing the invaluable role of teachers in shaping society.This
suggestion reflected Dr. Radhakrishnan’s deep respect for the teaching
profession. He believed that teachers are the pillars of society, and their
work in educating the youth is fundamental to a nation’s progress. Thus,
September 5th was chosen as a day to honor all teachers, acknowledging their
dedication, hard work, and the significant impact they have on the lives of
their students. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s life is a testament to the power
of education and the influence of great teachers. Born in a small town in Tamil
Nadu, Radhakrishnan’s journey to becoming one of the most respected thinkers of
his time is truly inspirational. Despite coming from a humble background, he
excelled in academics, eventually earning a scholarship to study at the
prestigious Madras Christian College. His exceptional intellect and deep
understanding of philosophy soon became evident, and he went on to serve as a
professor at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, including
the University of Mysore and Oxford University.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was
not just a teacher; he was a philosopher who brought Indian philosophy to the
global stage. His works on Indian philosophy, particularly his interpretations
of Vedanta, earned him international acclaim. He was a strong advocate for the
idea that Indian philosophy had much to offer to the world, and he played a
crucial role in introducing Indian thought to the Western academic world. His
contributions to the field of philosophy were recognized globally, and he was
invited to lecture at numerous universities around the world.
Despite his global
recognition, Dr. Radhakrishnan always considered himself first and foremost a
teacher. He believed that teaching was not just about imparting knowledge but
about shaping the character and values of students. For him, teaching was a
noble mission, a way to contribute to society’s development by nurturing the
youth’s minds. He was known for his deep commitment to his students, and his
ability to inspire them to think critically and explore the world of ideas.
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s
influence extended beyond the classroom. He was a statesman who served as the
Vice President of India from 1952 to 1962 and later as the President of India
from 1962 to 1967. Even in these high offices, he continued to emphasize the
importance of education and the role of teachers in society. He used his
position to advocate for better educational opportunities for all and to
promote the values of education, knowledge, and wisdom.
Teacher’s Day is much
more than a day of appreciation; it is a day that reminds us of the critical
role that educators play in our lives. Teachers are the architects of society,
responsible for molding young minds and shaping the nation’s future. They do
more than teach academic subjects—they inspire, guide, and mentor students,
helping them to develop into well-rounded individuals.
In today’s fast-paced
and ever-evolving world, the role of teachers is more important than ever. The
challenges of the 21st century, such as rapid technological advancements,
globalization, and the need for sustainable development, require a new generation
of thinkers and leaders who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to
navigate this complex world. Teachers are at the forefront of this mission,
preparing students to meet these challenges and to contribute positively to
society.
Teacher’s Day is an
opportunity for all of us to express our gratitude to the teachers who have
made a difference in our lives. It is a day to recognize their hard work,
dedication, and the sacrifices they make to ensure that their students receive
the best possible education. It is also a day to reflect on the importance of
education and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering teachers
in their vital roles.
Prof. John Kurakar
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