In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on September 5 to mark the birthday of the country’s former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888.
When Dr Radhakrishan took the office of the second President of India in 1962, his students approached him to seek permission to celebrate September 5 as a special day. Dr Radhakrishnan instead made a request of them to observe September 5 as Teachers’ Day, to recognise the contribution of teachers to the society. Since then it is celebrated as the teachers’ day.
The day is an occasion to celebrate teachers and their role in the lives of everyone who is lucky and blessed to be taught and guided by teachers. It is an occasion to show appreciation for the impact they have had in one’s life or their valuable contributions to a particular field or community. Schools mark the festival by holding cultural activities. Students gift their favourite teachers chocolates, flowers, gifts, handmade cards and profess their affection through meaningful presents.
Teachers and students flourish in a relationship of mutual respect.
Teachers’ Day acknowledges the contribution of teachers to society. Surely and without doubt, they are the backbone of the nation and prepare the younger generation for a brighter future. They are the foundation on which the quality education of the youth gets built. Teachers’ Day is a perfect opportunity to cherish their contribution. It is a reminder how they inspired one to do well and succeed in life, and recognise their hard work. Teachers’ Day is a reminder of that richness. The celebration and respect should not be limited to an annual day alone.
The private school teachers today often have a tough time economically, and many have lost the enthusiasm for teaching. Teachers in most private schools are still paid less than what they deserve. The government and society needs to work out means to address the issues facing them and ensure that they are paid so as to meet various challenges while they teach students. There is an unfortunate trend in some institutions that while students sit in buses, the teachers are made to stand. This is against the ethos and must be curbed.
All of us, whether children in school or not, should say and do more to express gratitude to the dedicated women and men who choose to teach.
