Teachers’ Day 2022: Know Date, History, Significance Associated With Day Honouring Gurus

India celebrates September 5 as Teachers Day as it also marks the birth anniversary of the second President of India Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who played a crucial role in shaping India's academia

Representative Photo: School children pray and offer flowers to the portrait of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan during a Teacher's Day celebration.

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: It would not be wrong to say that teachers are like second parents who shape our minds and help us recognise our talents and goals. It is teachers who lay a strong foundation for students’ growth and play a pivotal role in their development. It becomes important to respect all our gurus who have guided us throughout different stages in life. Teachers’ Day is one such occasion to celebrate teachers, mentors, and guides. It will be celebrated on Monday (September 5).

India celebrates this day as Teachers Day as it also marks the birth anniversary of the second President of India Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr Radhakrishnan played a crucial role in shaping India's academia.  His contributions have made education accessible to many. He also served as the first vice-president of India, and believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”. Radhakrishnan, who is a Bharat Ratna recipient, was born on the same day in 1888.

History Behind Teacher’s Day Celebration

Teacher’s Day celebration started in 1962 when Dr. Radhakrishnan took oath as the President of India. Some of his students had then requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday on September 5. He responded saying, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teachers' Day.” Since then, his birthday is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India.

Radhakrishnan, who was born into a Telugu family, authored the book, 'The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore'. He had a master’s degree in philosophy and played a huge role in placing Indian philosophy on the global map.

In his academic career, he taught at Chennai’s Presidency College and Calcutta University and even served as the Vice Chancellor of Andhra Pradesh University (from 1931-1936).

Significance of Teacher’s Day

The day is all about appreciating teachers who are the builders of society, understanding their challenges and ways to help them to ease their lives. The celebration of Teachers' Day is filled with fun-filled activities in educational institutes. From organising special events for teachers, students share Happy Teachers' Day wishes and messages with their gurus.