From teaching us basic things to help overcome hurdles of life, teachers have always been there to help and guide us to shape ourselves right. Over the years, Indians have firmly believed in the Guru. Guru is considered a Creator (Brahma), Preserver(Vishnu), and also the Destroyer(Maheshwara). Guru is called the absolute (singular) Lord. We owe gratitude to teachers for guiding and mentoring us. Hence, Shikshak Divas, or Teachers’ Day, is celebrated in India.

Teachers’ Day DATE 2022 

World Teachers’ Day gets celebrated on October 5, while every other country celebrates the day on different dates. In India, National Teachers’ Day gets celebrated on September 5.

Teachers’ Day  in India is marked on the birthday of Dr Sarvaplli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President of India (1952-1962), philosopher, a highly respected professor, and Politician, who later served as a second President of India. Bharat Ratna awardee Dr Sarvaplli Radhakrishnan was born on this day in 1888.

History and Significance Of Teachers’ Day

In 1962, when Dr. Radhakrishnan was in his office as the second President of India, his few students approached him to seek permission to celebrate his birthday as a “special” day. Dr. Radhakrishnan requested for them to observe September 5 as Teachers’ Day, to recognize the contribution of teachers to society. 

President John F. Kennedy with President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Since then, every year September 5, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day across India. Schools, colleges, Universities, and Education institutes arrange the celebrations.

Celebrations

Every school has a different way of celebrating Teacher’s Day, but here are a few general ones:

1. Everyone in the school collects on the day and pays respect and tribute to Dr. Sarvaplli Radhakrishnan.

2. Students bring roses, chocolates, gifts, and even handmade cards for teachers to express their affection for their favorite teachers.

3. Together students decorate classrooms and the entire school with discipline.

4. Students perform dances, skits, and small acts to celebrate the day.

5. The senior students in school reverse the role of teachers and maintain the school.

6. Even passed-out students send virtual wishes and greetings to tell them you love and cherish them. 

7. Last year, things were difficult with the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools and colleges continued online, and the celebration took place virtually.

Importance of Teachers’ Day

One occasion that both students and teachers look forward to is Teachers Day. Students on this day get the opportunity to understand the efforts the teachers put in to make sure, that the students get a quality education.

The recognition and honor the teachers receive for their efforts from students and organizations is something must, that’s why September 5 celebration is important.

How the Government celebrates the Day?

The Prime Minister and other officials generally sent their wishes and appreciate the work of the teaching community.

To encourage and appreciate teachers, every year on September 5, the President of India awards “The National Teacher Award” to the extra-ordinary teachers.

Last year in 2021 PM Narendra Modi, on the Teacher’s Day celebration, launched five initiatives: an Indian sign language dictionary of 10,000 words, talking books, school quality assessment and accreditation framework of CBSE, NISTHA teachers’ training program for NIPUN Bharat, and Vidhyanjali portal for facilitating education volunteers, donors and CSR contributors for school development.

When PM Narendra Modi was the chief Minister of Gujarat, he took interactive Quiz sessions with students on Teacher’s Day.

DeshGujarat