Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5th in India as a tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was not only a renowned philosopher and scholar but also the second President of India. The significance of celebrating Teachers’ Day on his birthday lies in his own request.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888. When he became the President of India in 1962, some of his students and friends approached him and suggested that his birthday should be celebrated as a public holiday. However, Dr. Radhakrishnan, who had a deep reverence for teachers and the teaching profession, suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, it should be observed as Teachers’ Day as a mark of respect to all teachers.

His belief was that teachers should be honored and appreciated for their contributions to society, and he wanted to emphasize the importance of teachers in shaping the future of the nation. Consequently, since 1962, September 5th has been celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and significant role that teachers play in the lives of students and in the development of the nation. It’s a day when students express their gratitude and appreciation for their teachers through various activities, ceremonies, and gestures of respect.