Addressing the teachers, the President said that by celebrating the birth anniversary of the country's second President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna as Teachers' Day, our countrymen express respect towards him and the entire teacher community. The society which respects teachers is truly progressive.
The President said, “Being among teachers, the teacher and student within me comes alive. I remember my teachers. Because of the love and guidance of teachers, I have been able to move forward in my life's journey. I also remember my students, whom I taught in the school of Odisha. I have also learned a lot from my students. I consider the love of the students as the biggest achievement of my life.”
The President said, “Savitri Bai Phule is known as India's first teacher to teach in schools in the modern era. She took revolutionary initiatives in the field of girls' education and established girls' schools in the 19th century. On this day, I salute Savitri Bai Phule.”
In the early 20th century, Santiniketan was established by Rabindranath Tagore in Bolpur, West Bengal, and a school was established by the famous freedom fighter Pandit Utkaman Mani in Puri district of Odisha. The objective behind the establishment of these schools was to ensure sustainable development of the students under the protection of nature. I respectfully salute such personalities.
The President said that it is a matter of happiness that the number of rural teachers among the recipients of the National Teacher Award is high. It is hoped that the methodology, style and achievements of the teachers receiving this year's awards will inspire other teachers as well. Dedicated teachers are frontline nation builders.