Honouring Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday
Teachers’ Day is celebrated worldwide on October 5, but in India, it is observed on September 5. This day honors teachers and their important role in students’ lives. The celebration marks the birth anniversary of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a respected educator and the second President of India.
On Teachers’ Day, students in schools and colleges organize various events to celebrate and wish their teachers. Activities often include dance performances, singing competitions, teacher mimicry, games, and poetry recitations. This special day highlights the wonderful bond between students and teachers.
History of Teachers’ Day: Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, was born on September 5, 1888. He was a renowned teacher, philosopher, and scholar. In 1954, the British Government honored him with the title of ‘Sir’. For his exceptional contributions to education, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna. In 1962, the Government of India declared September 5 National Teacher’s Day to commemorate his birthday and celebrate his dedication to education and students.
What is the Importance of Teachers’ Day?
The tradition of celebrating Teacher’s Day began when Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s students wanted to honor his birthday. In response, he graciously suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, the day be observed as Teacher’s Day. He believed teachers are among the most influential people, shaping young minds and guiding them to become future leaders. This day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating teachers’ vital role in a child’s life and their significant impact on society.
About Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a small village in Tamil Nadu, India. He finished schooling at the Christian Missionary Society High School and graduated from Voorhees College. Radhakrishnan pursued an MA in Philosophy at the University of Madras, where he excelled and received several prestigious scholarships. In 1918, he started his teaching career at Presidency College in Chennai and served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University. In 1946, he was appointed India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union. He also served as India’s Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and as President from 1962 to 1967. Apart from his roles in education and politics, Radhakrishnan was a distinguished philosopher and authored many books on Hindu philosophy and religion.
Some Interesting Facts about Teachers’ Day
Here are some interesting facts about Teachers’ Day. Explore them to discover new insights and learn more about this special occasion.
Fact 1: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a Telugu middle-class family in Tiruttani. He was a brilliant student who earned various scholarships throughout his academic career. He attended schools in Tirupati and Vellore.
Fact 2: He earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Christian College in Madras. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan is celebrated as one of India’s most renowned philosophers.
Fact 3: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan became a professor at Madras Presidency College after completing his degree. He later taught Philosophy at the University of Mysore.
Fact 4: He represented the University of Calcutta at the Congress of the Universities of the British Empire in 1962.
Fact-5: In 1930, he was appointed the Haskell Lecturer in Comparative Religion at the University of Chicago.
Fact 6: 1948, he was elected chairman of UNESCO’s executive board. In 1954, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize 27 times.
Fact 7: Teachers’ Day was first celebrated in 1962 when Dr. S. Radhakrishnan became the President of India.
Fact 8: World Teachers’ Day was established by UNESCO in 1994 to honor the signing of the 1966 International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNESCO recommendation on the status of teachers.
Fact 9: He was elected as the second President of India in 1962 and served until 1967.
Fact-10: He passed away in Madras on April 16, 1975.
Teachers’ Day is important not only in India but also globally. These facts provide a glimpse into Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s life and his significant educational contributions.
When is Teachers’ Day Celebrated in Different Parts of the World?
It might seem unusual, but Teachers’ Day is celebrated on different dates around the world. While World Teachers’ Day is on October 5, each country has its own National Teachers’ Day based on its history and culture. This day is celebrated in over 100 countries, with different dates. For example, India observes Teachers’ Day on September 5, while Pakistan celebrates it on October 5. China marks the day on September 10, and Brazil on October 15. Other countries have dates, such as New Zealand on October 29, Malaysia on May 16, Sri Lanka on October 6, Germany on October 5, and Thailand on January 16. Many Islamic countries, including Oman, Egypt, the UAE, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia, celebrate it on February 28.
Amazing Facts about Teachers
Here are ten amazing facts about teachers:
1. Impact on Lives: Teachers play a vital role in shaping their students’ lives and futures. They often act as role models and mentors, guiding students through their education and personal development.
2. Lifelong Learning: Teachers are lifelong learners who continually update their knowledge and skills to offer the best education possible.
3. Influence Beyond the Classroom: A good teacher’s influence extends beyond the classroom, shaping students’ values, attitudes, and behavior in life.
4. Diverse Roles: Teachers often juggle multiple roles, such as educator, counselor, disciplinarian, and motivator, to address their students’ diverse needs.
5. Creative Problem Solvers: Teachers excel at creative problem-solving, using innovative methods to engage students and make learning enjoyable.
6. Cultural Ambassadors: Teachers introduce students to diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives, helping them become well-rounded global citizens.
7. Emotional Intelligence: Teachers possess high emotional intelligence, allowing them to understand and manage their students’ emotions and create a positive learning environment.
8. Community Builders: Teachers help build strong communities by encouraging student collaboration, respect, and understanding.
9. Adaptability: Teachers are highly adaptable, changing their teaching methods to suit different learning styles and evolving educational needs.
10. Commitment to Students: Teachers are deeply committed to their students’ success, often going above and beyond to help them reach their full potential.
Some Teachers’ Day Gift Ideas
Students often like giving gifts on Teacher’s Day to show appreciation for their teachers’ hard work. Some thoughtful gift ideas include a handwritten letter expressing gratitude, pens, a special memento, or something significant. Choosing a teacher gift should be a thoughtful process to ensure it is meaningful and appreciated.
FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of Teachers’ Day?
Ans: Teachers’ Day honors teachers’ contributions to education and society. In India, it celebrates the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned educator and the second President of India.
Q2: When is Teachers’ Day celebrated globally?
Ans: Globally, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5. However, many countries have National Teacher’s Day on different dates.
Q3: Why is Teachers’ Day celebrated on September 5 in India?
Ans: In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was a great educator and philosopher.
Q4: What events are typically held on Teachers’ Day?
Ans: Schools and colleges often organize dances, singing competitions, and games to honor teachers. Students may also perform skits or recite poems to express their appreciation.
Q5: How can students celebrate Teachers’ Day?
Ans: Students can celebrate by writing thank-you letters, giving thoughtful gifts, and organizing special events to show their gratitude to teachers.
Q6: Why is Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan important?
Ans: Dr. Radhakrishnan was a distinguished scholar, philosopher, and educator. He served as India’s President and is remembered for his significant contributions to education and his role as a role model for teachers.
Q7: What are some gift ideas for Teachers’ Day?
Ans: Thoughtful gifts include handwritten letters, personalized pens, souvenirs, or items that reflect shared memories or interests.
Q8: How did Teachers’ Day begin?
Ans: Teachers’ Day was first celebrated in India in 1962 when Dr. Radhakrishnan became President. He suggested using his birthday as a day to honor teachers.
Q9: What is the role of UNESCO in Teachers’ Day?
Ans: UNESCO declared October 5 as World Teachers’ Day in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the 1966 UNESCO recommendation on the status of teachers.
Q10: What are some other countries’ Teachers’ Day dates?
Ans: Besides India’s September 5, other dates include October 5 in Germany, October 6 in Sri Lanka, September 10 in China, and May 16 in Malaysia.
