The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), International Labour Organisation (ILO)
and Education International celebrates International Teachers day to commemorate the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of teachers, regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. World Teachers' Day, also known as International Teachers' Day, is held annually on October 5. Since 1966, India has celebrated Teachers' Day on September 5, paying tribute to Radhakrishnan's remarkable approach to education and students.
Why does India celebrate this day before the world?
Every year in India, teachers' day is celebrated on September 5 to mark the birthday of Philosopher and Bharat Ratna awardee, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. When Dr Radhakrishnan became the President of India in 1962, few students visited him with a request to celebrate his birthday on September 5. However, he suggested that the students dedicate this day to teachers. Thus, September 5 is observed as Teachers' Day in India.
S Radhakrishnan: Philosopher of Hinduism
As an academic, philosopher, and statesman, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975) was one of the most recognized and influential Indian thinkers in academic circles in the 20th century. He dedicated his whole life working to defining, defending, and disseminating the Hindu religion. He was known well in the Western philosophical contexts between India and the West, and credited for his role in shaping the West’s understanding of Hinduism.
By the 1920s, Dr Radhakrishnan was established as one of India’s most respected academics. He held the prestigious King George V Chair at the Calcutta University from 1921 to 1932, was the second vice-chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936, and the fourth vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948. He also held the Spalding Chair of Eastern Religion and Ethics at University of Oxford from 1936 to 1952. Radhakrishnan was knighted in 1931.
Traditions and Celebrations
Students nationwide come together to express gratitude to their teachers and mentors. Institutions organise special activities and programs to honor the teachers. Some traditions like Felicitation Ceremonies, flower arrangements and Saraswati Puja are associated with teachers' day in India. Many students present their teachers with a heartfelt note, handmade card or a cake on this day.
