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Teachers' Day in India: 5th September 2021: History, Origins, Importance and Quotes

Teachers' Day:

Teachers' Day is celebrated across the world on different dates. Different countries have their own ideal personalities or ideals to celebrate on teachers' day. While the World Teachers' Day or International Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 5 every year, India celebrates September 5 as Teachers' Day every year.


Why is Teachers' Day celebrated? What is its significance and importance?

Teachers' Day in India is celebrated to commemorate the birth day of the first vice president and second president of India, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr. Radhakrishnan (5 September 1888 - 17 April 1975) was born in Thiruttani and died in Chennai. He was a great philosopher, educationist and statesman of India. The books he authored are still held in high esteem among the world scholars. He worked at several national and international colleges and universities as a professor. He worked at Madras Presidency College, University of Mysore, University of Calcutta, University of Oxford and University of Chicago. He also received several national and international awards including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award in 1954, a knighthood in 1931, an honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963. It is an occasion to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions teachers make in nation and society building activities. Teachers are the only ones who give birth to other professions. They guide the students who later become responsible members of the society and citizens of the country. They also act as ideals for the common people to follow. It is Teachers' Day when the students, the community and the government recognize their sacrifices and pay respects to them. The various state governments and the central government of India honour the teachers with various awards including state and national achievement awards on this occasion.



History of Teachers' Day in India:

The first Teachers' Day in India was celebrated on September 5, 1962 the year Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the second president of India. When Dr. Radhakrishnan was serving as the president of India, some of his students and well wishers approached him with the proposal of observing his birthday which falls on 5th September. Dr. Radhakrishnan disagreed to this proposal. He reportedly said, "Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if the day is celebrated as Teachers Day in recognition of the sacrifices teachers make to society." Since then Teachers' Day in India is being celebrated on September 5 every year.



How do we celebrate Teachers' Day?

Teachers' Day is the occasion students eagerly await to celebrate. Students attend school in colourful dresses. They decorate the classroom and school building with different flowers, both natural and artificial, paper designs, balloons etc and make arrangements for the sound system also. Different cultural programmes like music, dance etc are held. Teachers, students and other dignitaries present on the occasion deliver valuable speeches on the importance of Teachers' Day and on the contributions made by the teachers. Students also bring flowers and other gifts for their teachers.



Here are some famous teachers' day quotes:

1. A teacher is like a candle that consumes itself to light the way for others. - Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

2. I have always felt that the true text book for the pupils is his teacher. - M. K. Gandhi.

3. Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than those who produce them, for these only gave them life, those the art of living well. - Aristotle.

4. The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, the great teacher inspires. - William Arthur Ward.

5. Teaching is the one profession that creates all the other professions. - Anonymous.

6. A teacher affects eternity. He can never tell where his influence stops. - Henry Brooks Adams.

7. A good teacher is the one who can inspire hope, ignite imagination and instill a love of learning. - Brad Henry.

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