Teachers Day 2026: Every year, as soon as 5th September comes, preparations start in schools and colleges to honor teachers. Students organize programs for their gurus, give them flowers and gifts and thank them for their contribution. But has this question ever come to your mind that why the date of September 5 was chosen for Teacher’s Day? There is a special story behind this related to India’s great educationist and philosopher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on 5 September 1888 in Tirutani, Tamil Nadu. Apart from being a teacher, he was also a philosopher and politician. He had deep knowledge in the field of education and philosophy and he spent his long life in furthering education.
Teacher’s Day tradition started from 1962
In the year 1962, when Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of the country, some of his students and friends expressed their desire to celebrate his birthday. On this he talked about dedicating his birthday to honor teachers instead of making it a personal celebration. His wish was that September 5 should be celebrated as Teacher’s Day.
Taking this idea forward, the tradition of celebrating Teacher’s Day on 5th September every year started in India since 1962.
What did Radhakrishnan think about education?
Dr. Radhakrishnan believed that the purpose of education is not only to acquire knowledge from books. Education is also a medium to strengthen a person’s personality and character. According to him, the role of a teacher is very important in giving the right direction to the students and making them better humans.
He studied at Madras Christian College and obtained a master’s degree in philosophy. After this he taught in many prestigious universities. These also include Banaras Hindu University and Delhi University.
Teacher is not just a teacher
Teachers’ Day reminds us that the role of a teacher is not limited to the classroom only. A person who shows us the right path, teaches us a new thing or inspires us to move forward in difficult times, also plays the role of a teacher in our lives.
Teachers develop discipline, good values and self-confidence along with knowledge in children. They recognize the abilities of the students and give them opportunities to move forward. For this reason, teachers are considered to lay the foundation for the future of the society.
The country also honored Radhakrishnan
Dr. Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of the country who assumed the post of President after completing his tenure. In view of his contribution in the field of education and philosophy, in 1954 he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, one of India’s highest civilian honors.
Special activities take place in schools
On Teacher’s Day, different programs are organized in schools and colleges across the country. Students show respect to their teachers by giving them cards, flowers and gifts. In many educational institutions, students also play the role of a teacher for a day and take classes.
This day is not just an occasion for celebration. This is a day to express gratitude to all those teachers who have shaped our knowledge, thinking and personality in some way or the other.