Events

Teachers’ Day : A True Tribute to Teachers

Teachers’ day is a celebration held on different dates in different countries across the world. It is celebrated to give tributes to the teachers for their contributions to society. In India, Teacher’s Day is observed on 5th of September every year honoring Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. In real, 5th of September is the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan (the 2nd president of Indian Republic). This festivity signifies the efforts and contributions made by teachers to the country and community. Notably, World Teachers’ day is celebrated just one month later i.e. on October 5.

The celebration of Teachers’ Day

The teacher’s day celebration holds different activities. Various cultural and educational programs are arranged at schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. In some schools, old students and teachers are invited on the occasion.

Students present gifts like greeting cards, flowers, chocolates, pens, diaries, books, and other items to their teachers. These gifts symbolize the love and respect for the teachers by their students. Prizes are given to outstanding or masterful teachers for their contribution to the development of educational aspects. In this age of internet and mobile, people use sources like facebook, twitter, WhatsApp, e-mail etc for wishing one another.

Each one of us has been a student at some point in our lives; therefore Teachers’ Day should be celebrated by all of us and not just by the teachers and students alone. Also, we must pay our utmost respect and gratitude to the teachers.

TEACHER'S DAY-CHAMPARANDIARIES

History and Background of Teachers’ Day

Teachers’ day in India has been celebrated since 1962 as a symbol of tributes and thankfulness toward teachers. In actual, 5th of September is the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of India in 1962, he was requested by students and his friends to allow them to celebrate 5th September, his “Birthday”. But he wished September 5, to be celebrated as ‘Teacher’s Day’ instead of his birthday. From then onward, the day has been celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India. This appeal showed his great love for teachers and students as well.

Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on 5th September 1888 at Tirutani, Madras in a poor Brahman family. He got his early education at Gowdie School, Tiruvallur. He pursued his bachelor and master degree from Madras Christian College in Philosophy. Following his MA he joined Madras Presidency College as an assistant lecturer in 1909.

He studied various philosophies like Hindu Philosophy, Buddhist Philosophy, Jain philosophy, Western Philosophy etc in depth. Also, he was called by Oxford University to deliver a lecture on Hindu Philosophy.

He served many universities as a professor including University of Mysore and Calcutta University. Dr. Radhakrishnan wrote the book “Indian Philosophy” which was published in 1923. He was elected Vice Chancellor of the Andhra University in 1931 and the Vice Chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1939.

He was appointed an ambassador to the Soviet Union in 1949 by the government of India. Dr. Radhakrishnan was elected first Vice-President of India in 1952 and after serving two terms, he was elected the 2nd President of India in 1962. In 1954, he was honored with ‘Bharat Ratna’.

Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan was a great scholar, diplomat, philosopher and importantly teacher. He was a strong educationalist. He penned numerous articles to different well-known journals. Dr. Radhakrishnan believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”. He worked a lot for the development of education in his life. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan died on April 17, 1975.

World Teachers’ Day

World teacher’s day is celebrated on the 5th of October as recognition of teachers for their efforts and contribution to society. The celebration shows appreciation to teachers.

Notably, the teacher’s day celebration date varies from country to country. Many countries celebrate their teacher’s day on the same date i.e. October 5 (World teacher’s day). But some countries observe it on different dates. For example, India observes on 5th of September, China (10 September), Thailand (16 January), Mexico (15 May) etc.

The date October 5 was established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It also commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers on 5 October 1966. The first World Teachers’ Day was celebrated on October 5, 1994.

Generally, the celebration involves conferences, summits, banquets, or other gatherings on education and other related issues. Various events are arranged honoring teachers. Every year a slogan is specified for the celebration of World Teacher’s Day.  “Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies” was the World Teachers’ Day slogan for 2015.

What Are Teachers?

“A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.” > Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (translated from Turkish).

“Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.” >Japanese proverb

These quotes tell the importance and greatness of a teacher.  In anyone’s life, teachers lead the right path.  They make us learn how to forward in life with struggle. Teachers are in real capable of molding a student’s life positively.  In a way, they shape the career of students. Children are the future of the country, so from this view, a teacher contributes to the country a lot.

A teacher plays many roles in one’s life like a surrogate parent, mentor, leader, counselor, role model etc.  Students are deeply influenced by the teacher’s love, costumes, style of conversation and his moral commitment. A teacher makes a significant influence on society. Teachers are the main reason to enrich all the quality education in any country. We must be grateful to our teachers for their countless contributions.

FULL form of TEACHER

T – Talented
E – Educated
A – Adorable
C – Charming
H – Helpful
E – Encouraging
R – Responsible

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