Just like Google's doodle, our teachers do not always teach us academics. They can be our music teacher or our painting guide or a sports coach who not only teach us and give us knowledge about the particular subject, but go beyond the books at times. They teach us the meaning of lives and give us inspiration and guidance that helps in it shaping up in a better way.
Also Read | Happy Teachers' Day 2018: Quotes, wishes, messages
September 5 in India is celebrated as the Teacher’s day. Since 1962 the day is dedicated to all the teachers in honour of India’s second President and revered teacher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on the same day in 1888. On this day, the classrooms across the nation burst into colours with decorations, cultural programmes, greetings and what not.
Who was Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
• Dr. Radhakrishnan was a teacher at Chennai’s Presidency College and Calcutta University.
• The exemplary teacher who was also philosopher, scholar and politician, worked dedicately towards shaping up the youth of the country with the power of education.
• On September 5th of 1882, Radhakrishnan was born into a Telegu Brahmin family in Tirutani in Andhra Pradesh.
• He did his Masters’ in Philosophy from the University of Madras.
• He later, went on to teach in University of Mysore and University of Calcutta, where he was also popular among the students.
• He had also served as the Vice Chancellor Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University.
• He was also called to take the Chair of Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions in Oxford University.
Why 5th September as Teachers' Day
After he became the President of India, a group of his friends and students requested Dr. Radhakrishnan to let them observe his birthday. Radhakrishnan reportedly said, “instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teachers’ Day.” He wanted to do this to pay tributes to the greatest teachers of India and Bangladesh. Since then, 5th of September, his birthday, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India.
Happy Teachers' Day to all the teachers and mentors!