In India, Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 5th September annually. On this day, the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the 2nd President of India, a distinguished scholar, philosopher and who was himself a revered teacher is also celebrated. He was not only a respected academician and statesman but also a firm believer in the transformative power of education. The time when some of his students and friends approached him to celebrate his birthday. He was quite humble in suggesting that instead of celebrating his birthday, they should observe the day as Teachers Day as a way to recognize the efforts of all the teachers. Since then, September 5th has been celebrated as Teachers Day across India. It is a day dedicated to honoring and appreciating the invaluable contributions of teachers to our society. Teachers are often referred to as the pillars of society because of their pivotal role in nurturing and guiding the next generation.
The teachers are more than just instructors. They are mentors, role models, and sometimes even second parent to their students. In India, the education is of high value and the role of teacher is especially significant. A teacher does not only impart academic knowledge but also plays a crucial role in developing the moral compass of his/her students. Teachers Day is celebrated in schools and educational institutions across India with enthusiasm. Dedicated events and performances are organized by students to show their appreciation for their teachers. The senior students take on the role of teachers for a day conducting classes in managing the schools, giving them a glimpse into the challenges and responsibilities that teachers face daily in schools and other educational institutions. On this day, teachers are often awarded and honored with tokens of appreciation during special ceremonies and events. Various cultural performances, speeches, and student teacher interactions sessions are also quite common among schools and institutions. This celebration provides students with an opportunity to express their gratitude for their teachers to reflect on the impact they have on their students’ lives.
Teachers Day is also a time to reflect on the challenges that are faced by our educators in India. Many teachers often work in difficult conditions, especially in rural and underprivileged areas where resources are scares and classrooms are overcrowded. But despite these challenges our teachers continue to work tirelessly, driven by their commitment towards education and the well-being of their students. In recent times, the COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity and difficulty to the teaching profession where teachers had to adapt quickly to online teaching methods, often with limited training and resources. As our country, India is evolving and so is our education system, it has become crucial to ensure that our teachers are well equipped, supported and recognized for their work. There must be an investment in teachers training, providing them with competitive salaries and creating a supportive work environment.
Teachers Day is not just a day to honor teachers, but also reminder of the ongoing need to uplift and empower those who dedicate their lives to educating others and let us also commit to supporting our teachers in every way possible, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to continue shaping the future of our nation.
