Did you know the world generally celebrates Teacher’s Day on October 5th? But, in India, we march to the beat of a different drum. We celebrate it on September 5th. Why, you ask? Well, the answer lies in the life of one extraordinary man: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
When Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the President of India, some of his students and friends wanted to celebrate his birthday. But, in a twist of humility and wisdom, he suggested, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teacher’s Day.” And just like that, the date became synonymous with honoring teachers in India.
So, why do we celebrate Teacher’s Day on September 5th in India? It’s to pay tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a man who wore many hats—philosopher, statesman, and above all, a teacher. He believed that teachers should be the best minds in the country, and his life was a testament to this belief.
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a middle-class family in the pilgrim town of Tirutani. His father initially wanted him to become a priest and wasn’t keen on learning English. But destiny had other plans.
He recognized his talents and was sent to schools in Thirupati and then Vellore. Eventually, he landed at Madras Christian College, where he studied philosophy. It’s interesting to note that he became more interested in philosophy by accident than by choice. But once he was in, he was all in. He graduated in 1906 with a master’s degree in Philosophy and was one of the college’s most distinguished alumni.
From his early days as a professor at Presidency College in Madras, he was a hit among his students. Imagine this: He was offered a professorship at Calcutta University when he was less than 30 years old. That’s like being called to the major leagues when you’re still warming up in the minors! He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936 and later of Banaras Hindu University.
So, that’s a snapshot of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s early life. A man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected educators in India. His life is a lesson in itself, showing us that you can reach for the stars with the right amount of dedication and hard work.
Also Read: Happy Teachers Day Wishes 2023 💌
So, what made Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan such a big deal in teaching? Well, he wasn’t just any teacher; he was a teacher who shaped how India thinks about education.
He was super popular among his students from his early days as a professor. He didn’t just stick to textbooks; he made his students think outside the box. He was so good that he got a top job at Calcutta University while still young. He also led Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University, two big names in Indian education.
For Dr Radhakrishnan, teaching wasn’t just a job but a calling. He believed that teachers had a big role in shaping the future. That’s why, when he became the President of India, he still wanted to be remembered as a teacher. He even turned his birthday into Teacher’s Day to honor all teachers. How cool is that?
In a nutshell, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a teacher who went above and beyond. He didn’t just teach subjects; he taught life lessons. And that’s why we celebrate Teacher’s Day on his birthday—remembering and honoring a teacher like no other.
Also Read: Happy Teachers Day Quotes 2023 📝
You might wonder, “Why do we make such a big deal about Teacher’s Day?” Well, it’s not just about cutting cakes and giving gifts. It’s way deeper than that.
First, Teacher’s Day is like a “Thank You” card to all the teachers. It’s a day when students can show gratitude for everything their teachers have done. Teachers do a lot, from helping with tough math problems to giving life advice. And this is the day to say, “Hey, thanks for being awesome!”
Teachers need to teach us subjects like Math or History. They teach us how to be better humans. They show us the importance of hard work, respect, and kindness. So, Teacher’s Day is also a day to remember these life lessons.
When a teacher helps a student, it’s not just that one kid who benefits. The student goes on to do great things, and that goodness spreads. It’s like throwing a pebble in a pond and watching the ripples go on and on. That’s the kind of impact teachers have, and that’s why we celebrate this day.
Also Read:
Also Read: Happy Teachers Day Messages 2023 💌
So, Teacher’s Day isn’t just another day on the calendar. It’s a day that reminds us of the huge role teachers play in our lives. And it all goes back to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who set the ball rolling.