Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Why India Observes Teachers’ Day on September 5
India celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 5 each year.
The day thanks teachers for helping students learn and grow.
It is connected to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a famous teacher, philosopher and former President of India.
Official records say he was born on September 5, 1888.
Radhakrishnan is said to have suggested celebrating teachers instead of treating the day only as his birthday.
Another historical account says the National Federation of Teachers made the request and credits Jawaharlal Nehru.
Radhakrishnan’s own view of his birth date was reportedly different from the official record.
Schools and colleges mark the day with speeches, cultural programmes, games and other activities.
In 2026, 48 teachers are scheduled to receive National Teachers’ Awards in New Delhi.
India observes Teachers’ Day every September 5 to honour teachers and educators.
The date is officially linked to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s recorded birth date, September 5, 1888.
Radhakrishnan was a philosopher, scholar, teacher, statesman and India’s second President from 1962 to 1967.
Accounts differ over whether Radhakrishnan or the National Federation of Teachers initiated the observance, with one source crediting Jawaharlal Nehru.
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to present National Teachers’ Awards to 48 teachers in New Delhi on September 5, 2026.
- Who
- Teachers and educators; Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan; Jawaharlal Nehru; President Droupadi Murmu; and 48 award recipients.
- What
- India is observing Teachers’ Day and is scheduled to present National Teachers’ Awards to 48 teachers.
- When
- September 5 every year; the 2026 observance is scheduled for Saturday, September 5.
- Where
- Across India, including schools, colleges and educational institutions; the 2026 awards ceremony is scheduled in New Delhi.
- Why
- To honour teachers’ contributions and, according to official accounts, to mark Radhakrishnan’s birthday as a tribute to the teaching profession.
Official and Popular Account
Alternative Historical Account
Who initiated Teachers’ Day?
Official and Popular Account
Official accounts record that Radhakrishnan wished his 75th birthday to be observed as Teachers’ Day rather than celebrated as a personal occasion.
Alternative Historical Account
Academic and philosopher P. Nagaraja Rao wrote in 1994 that the National Federation of Teachers made the request and that Jawaharlal Nehru was responsible.
When was Radhakrishnan born?
Official and Popular Account
Official records give his birth date as September 5, 1888, the date associated with India’s Teachers’ Day.
Alternative Historical Account
The article says Radhakrishnan himself reportedly believed he was born on September 20, 1887, making the recorded date contested.
- Annual observance
- Teachers’ Day is celebrated across India every September 5.
- Official birth date
- Government and other official records give Radhakrishnan’s birth date as September 5, 1888.
- Birth-date dispute
- The article says Radhakrishnan himself reportedly believed he was born on September 20, 1887.
- Radhakrishnan’s office
- He served as India’s second President from 1962 to 1967.
- Historical origin
- Official accounts say Radhakrishnan suggested observing his 75th birthday as Teachers’ Day in 1962.
- Alternative account
- P. Nagaraja Rao wrote that the National Federation of Teachers made the request and that Jawaharlal Nehru was responsible.
- 2026 awards
- President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to honour 48 teachers in New Delhi; recipients come from 27 states, seven Union Territories and six central government agencies.
