India's Teachers' Day

What Is India's Teachers' Day?

September 5th is celebrated across India as "Teachers' Day." The date honors the birthday (September 5, 1888) of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, philosopher, India's first Vice President and second President, and has been observed nationally since 1962.

A Holiday Born From Students' Own Request

When Radhakrishnan became President, his former students asked permission to celebrate his birthday. He is said to have replied that rather than marking his own birthday, he would prefer the day be used to express gratitude to teachers across the country. That humble response became the origin of a nationwide day honoring educators throughout India.

• In schools: senior students often take over teaching duties for the day as a way of expressing thanks to their teachers
• Nationwide events: speech contests, card-giving ceremonies, and other events are held across the country
• His legacy, too: the day is also an occasion to highlight Radhakrishnan's own achievements comparing Eastern and Western philosophy and introducing Indian philosophical thought to the English-speaking world

How This Differs From the Global "World Teachers' Day"

UNESCO's "World Teachers' Day," established in 1994, falls on October 5th — but India maintains its own long-standing tradition of celebrating teachers on September 5th instead. The fact that different countries and regions honor teachers on different dates reflects each nation's unique history and the figures it chooses to revere.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Send a message of thanks to a teacher who made a difference in your life
• Learn more about Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's philosophy and achievements
• Explore India's school culture and education system
• Reflect on a memorable story involving a teacher who shaped who you are today

A Gift of "Thank Teachers, Not Me" on His Own Birthday

The story of a philosopher who asked that his own birthday be turned into a day of gratitude for teachers everywhere speaks volumes about the deep respect owed to educators. Let September 5th, through the lens of India's Teachers' Day, be a moment to think back on the teachers who helped shape the person you've become.