Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Why India Celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 5
India celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 5.
This is the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
He was an important teacher and philosopher before becoming President of India.
He taught at Calcutta University and the University of Oxford.
At Oxford, he helped introduce more Indian philosophy to Western academic circles.
In 1962, some students wanted to celebrate his birthday.
Radhakrishnan did not want personal praise.
He suggested that the day should honor teachers everywhere.
That is why September 5 became an important day for teachers in India.
India observes Teachers’ Day on September 5, the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, and worked as an educator for decades before entering politics.
He taught at institutions including Calcutta University and the University of Oxford.
In 1936, he became Oxford’s first Spalding Professor and was elected a Fellow of All Souls College.
When students sought permission to celebrate his birthday in 1962, he suggested honoring teachers instead of himself.
- Who
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, his students, and teachers in India.
- What
- India’s Teachers’ Day is observed on September 5 to honor teachers, rather than celebrate Radhakrishnan personally.
- When
- September 5; Radhakrishnan was born on that date in 1888, and the birthday proposal occurred after he became President in 1962.
- Where
- India, with Radhakrishnan’s academic career also including Calcutta University and the University of Oxford.
- Why
- Radhakrishnan suggested using his birthday to honor teachers because he rejected personal praise.
- Teachers’ Day in India
- September 5
- Radhakrishnan’s birth
- September 5, 1888
- Presidency
- He became President of India in 1962
- Teaching institutions
- Calcutta University and the University of Oxford
- Oxford appointment
- First Spalding Professor in 1936
- Oxford distinction
- Elected a Fellow of All Souls College
- Reason for the date
- Radhakrishnan proposed honoring teachers instead of celebrating his birthday