Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Why India Celebrates Teachers’ Day on Radhakrishnan’s Birthday
India celebrates Teachers’ Day every year on September 5.
The date is the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
He was a teacher, philosopher, scholar, and later a President of India.
In 1962, former students and friends wanted to celebrate his birthday.
Radhakrishnan asked them to honour teachers across the country instead.
Since then, September 5 has been used to thank teachers for helping students learn and grow.
Schools and colleges often hold speeches, performances, and special programmes.
The Government of India also gives awards to teachers who make important contributions.
This year, 48 school teachers were selected through district, state, and national-level stages.
India observes Teachers’ Day on September 5 to honour educators and their contributions to society and nation-building.
The date commemorates Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birth on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani.
Radhakrishnan served as India’s first Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and second President from 1962 to 1967.
When former students and friends sought to celebrate his birthday in 1962, Radhakrishnan asked that the day honour teachers instead.
This year, 48 school teachers from 27 states, seven Union Territories, and six Central Government organisations were selected for National Awards.
- Who
- India, educators, and Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary is commemorated.
- What
- India observes Teachers’ Day and honours teachers’ contributions to education, students, and society.
- When
- Every September 5; the tradition began in 1962, when Radhakrishnan became President of India.
- Where
- Across India, including schools, colleges, and National Teachers’ Awards ceremonies.
- Why
- Radhakrishnan requested that his birthday be dedicated to honouring teachers rather than celebrated as a personal occasion.
- Observance date
- September 5 every year.
- Radhakrishnan’s birth
- September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, in the erstwhile Madras Presidency.
- Vice-presidential service
- India’s first Vice President, from 1952 to 1962.
- Presidential service
- India’s second President, from 1962 to 1967.
- National Award recipients
- 48 school teachers selected this year.
- Selection process
- Three stages: district, state, and national levels.
- Selected teachers’ locations
- 27 states, seven Union Territories, and six Central Government organisations.
