Teacher’s Day 2025: Why India celebrates on September 5, history, and significance explained
Teacher’s Day 2025: Why India celebrates on September 5, history, and significance explained
The day honours Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s legacy and the guiding role of teachers in shaping lives
Teachers are often described as the guiding lights who shape lives beyond the classroom, imparting not only academic knowledge but also life skills and values. Every year, on September 5, India celebrates Teacher’s Day to recognise their pivotal role in society.
Why September 5?
The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975), India’s second President, a renowned philosopher, and one of the nation’s most respected educationists. When Dr. Radhakrishnan assumed the presidency, he requested that his birthday not be celebrated personally but instead dedicated to honouring teachers across the country. Responding to his wish, the Indian government in 1962 officially declared September 5 as Teacher’s Day.
History and Significance
Dr. Radhakrishnan served as the first Vice President of India from 1952 to 1962 and as President from 1962 to 1967. His scholarship in philosophy and deep commitment to education earned him admiration worldwide. He believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”, stressing the role of education in nation-building. Teacher’s Day is thus both a tribute to his ideals and a celebration of the profession he valued most.
How it is celebrated
In schools and colleges across India, the day is observed with unique traditions. Senior students often take on the roles of teachers, conducting classes dressed like them, while cultural programs, speeches, and functions highlight the value of teaching. In some institutions, teachers themselves symbolically become students for a day, emphasising the mutual bond of learning between teacher and pupil.
Beyond India
While India celebrates on September 5, the world observes World Teacher’s Day on October 5. Established by UNESCO in 1994, it commemorates the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the status of teachers, underlining their rights, responsibilities, and global importance in education systems.
Teacher’s Day in India, therefore, stands as a dual reminder: of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s remarkable legacy and of the timeless bond between teachers and students that shapes society.
