8 hrs ago
Why India Celebrates Teachers' Day on Radhakrishnan's Birthday
India celebrates Teachers' Day every year on September 5.
This day is the birthday of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a famous teacher, philosopher, and former President of India.
He believed teachers help children learn and build a better society.
When people wanted to celebrate his birthday, he asked them to honour all teachers instead.
That is why September 5 became Teachers' Day in India.
The day celebrates teachers for their hard work and care for students.
The President also gives National Awards to some outstanding teachers.
This year, 48 teachers were chosen from different parts of the country.
India observes Teachers' Day on September 5 to honour educators and recognise their role in shaping society and the nation.
The date commemorates the birth anniversary of philosopher and statesman Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, born on September 5, 1888.
Radhakrishnan served as India's first Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and second President from 1962 to 1967.
When asked to celebrate his 75th birthday in 1962, Radhakrishnan suggested dedicating the day to teachers instead.
This year, 48 school teachers from across India were selected for National Awards through district, state, and national-level processes.
- Who
- India, educators, and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birthday is commemorated.
- What
- India observes Teachers' Day and honours teachers' contributions to education and society.
- Where
- Across India, with National Awards presented by the President of India.
- When
- Every September 5; the observance was proposed on Radhakrishnan's 75th birthday in 1962.
- Why
- Radhakrishnan asked that his birthday be observed as Teachers' Day rather than as a personal celebration.
Key facts
- Teachers' Day
- Observed in India every September 5.
- Radhakrishnan's birth
- September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, in the erstwhile Madras Presidency.
- Vice President
- India's first Vice President, serving from 1952 to 1962.
- President
- India's second President, serving from 1962 to 1967.
- Teachers selected this year
- 48 school teachers.
- Selection process
- Three stages: district, state, and national levels.
- Selected teachers by gender
- 26 male and 22 female teachers.
Quotes
Jawaharlal Nehru
India’s first Prime Minister, who praised Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in a birthday message
“But above all, he is a great teacher, from whom all of us have learnt much, and will continue to learn”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
President Murmu to Honour 48 Teachers on Teachers’ Day
President Murmu to Honour 48 Teachers on Teachers’ Day
Teachers' Day 2026: 10 AI Prompts For Wishes And Speeches
IIT Kanpur Professor Sankar P Rath Named Teachers Awardee
Teachers’ Day 2026: Quotes, Messages, And Captions For Celebrations
Teachers’ Day 2026: Five Handmade Math Teacher Gifts Under ₹200
Complete List of Important Days in September 2026
