Teacher’s Day 2026: Why Do India Celebrates Teacher’s Day On September 5

Every year we celebrate Teacher’s Day on 5th September as an honor to the invaluable contribution of our teachers in shaping our lives and society. It also marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who served the country as India’s second President.

Born on September 5, 1888, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan dedicated his life to education before stepping into public service. He taught at several prestigious institutions, including Calcutta University and the University of Oxford, earning immense respect for his knowledge and commitment to teaching. Throughout his life, he firmly believed that teachers are the backbone of every nation, as they nurture young minds and inspire future generations.

The tradition of celebrating Teachers' Day in India began in 1962, when Dr Radhakrishnan became the President of India. On his birthday, a group of his former students and friends approached him seeking permission to celebrate the occasion. However, instead of allowing his birthday to be observed as a personal celebration, he humbly requested that September 5 be dedicated to honouring teachers across the country. Since then, India has celebrated Teachers' Day every year on this date.

Today, schools and colleges mark the occasion with cultural programmes, speeches, performances, and special events organised by students to express their gratitude towards their teachers. Many educational institutions also arrange felicitation ceremonies, while the Government of India presents National Teachers' Awards to outstanding educators in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the field of education.

Teachers' Day is more than just a celebration, it is a heartfelt tribute to the mentors who shape lives, build character, and guide students towards a brighter future. The occasion also serves as a reminder of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's enduring legacy and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

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Ravali Hymavati

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K. Ravali Hymavathi being born in Hyderabad holds a strong command in the content writing field. She always sticks to her principles and holds a passion for ‘Entertainment’ and ‘Lifestyle’ write-ups. She earlier worked for Eenadu’s ‘EeYuva’ and started working for Hans India from a couple of years…

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