Why Do We Celebrate Teachers’ Day on Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s Birthday? An Inspiring Story for Every Student

Every September 5th, all Indian schools and colleges bloom with gifts: flowers, cards, performances, and words of gratitude to teachers. But do you think about why this day is called Teachers Day and who was the person who came up with this day? Let’s talk about the life and values of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the world-renowned teacher, philosopher, and former President of India, whose birthday is honoured as Teachers’ Day all over the country.

The Simple Origin of a Great Mind 

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a small town called Tiruttani in Tamil Nadu. His family was not rich. His father, Sarvepalli Veeraswami, was a clerk, and his mother was called Sitamma. Radhakrishnan attended the K.V. High School in Thiruttani and later on studied at Hermannsburg Evangelical Lutheran Mission School in Tirupati and Government High Secondary School of Walajapet.

With the help of scholarships he managed to pursue his education in Voorhees College in Vellore and subsequently in Madras Christian College, which was among the best colleges in India then. It was here that he learned philosophy, in an almost accidental way--because some old textbooks had been handed to him by a cousin! But this is the accident that changed his fate. He was a brilliant philosopher who had earned a Bachelor and a Master degree by 1906.

A Superior Teacher and scholar 

Dr. Radhakrishnan became a teacher after graduation. He began lecturing at Madras Presidency College and in a short period became a renowned scholar and educator. He also taught in the College of Maharaja, University of Mysore, and finally at Calcutta University where he disseminated the knowledge and enthusiasm to philosophy wherever he went.

He inspired many teachers and legends by his deep thinking and his skills to explain hard concepts in simple words. Even his teachers themselves marveled at the way he defended Indian philosophy whenever it was attacked in the West. Radhakrishnan authored numerous books, some of which cover the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and philosophy of Tagore, which made him a reputed name in the whole world.

Statesman and Servant Leader

Dr. Radhakrishnan also served the country in significant capacities as a result of the classroom. He taught at the Oxford University in England as a professor and was the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University. He subsequently became the first and second President (1952 1962 and 1962 1967) of India.

He was the Ambassador to the Soviet Union and a voice of significance, as far as education and culture was concerned, in the world. In 1954, he was granted the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, and in 1963 he was appointed an honorary member of the Royal Order of Merit, Britain.

Why is Teachers’ Day celebrated?

It is a heartwarming story: When Dr. Radhakrishnan took over the Presidency in 1962, there were some students and teachers who wished to celebrate his birthday. But he replied, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers' Day.”He wished the country to remember teachers and wanted everyone to celebrate the gurus for all the things they do to shape lives. 

And since then India has been celebrating Teachers Day in all schools and colleges on the 5th of September every year since then as a way of showing gratitude and respect to teachers who are the real nation builders.

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s Words 

Teachers are the backbone of any given country and Dr. Radhakrishnan always believed in this. Education to him was far more than just learning facts but it was character making and mind opening. He taught students to honor their teachers and never give up on learning.

His life has been an experienced one; he died on April 17, 1975, but his teaching continues to show young hearts and classrooms in all corners of India today.

The story of Dr. Radhakrishnan teaches us that there are no dreams which are so huge if you are willing to learn, and work hard. His life teaches us all: education is the world, kindness is power, and thanking teachers is the first step on a way to real success.

So, this September 5th, when you wish your teachers “happy Teachers Day,” remember that you are part of a million people celebrating a legacy of learning, leadership and respect that continues to transform our beloved country– India.