Teachers’ Day 2025: Why India Celebrates on September 5 — History, Significance & Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s Legacy

Every year on September 5, schools and colleges across India glow with gratitude, respect and celebration as students pay tribute to their teachers on Teachers' Day. This tradition will continue with renewed vigour in the year 2025 when the entire nation will acknowledge that teachers play the most important role in shaping not just individual lives but the future of society as well. This day is not just a ceremonial occasion but a deep acknowledgement of the indelible impact teachers have had on generations.

What makes this day special is that it is the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President and first Vice President of India. He was a great philosopher and scholar who always considered education and the role of teachers as the foundation of nation-building. This is why India celebrates Teachers' Day on September 5 every year.

Origin of Teachers' Day

The history of Teachers' Day is itself inspiring. When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President in the year 1962, some of his disciples and friends asked him for permission to celebrate his birthday. To this he humbly said that if they really want to honor him, then that day should be dedicated to all teachers. This simple but deep thought of his gave birth to the tradition of Teachers' Day. Since then, Teachers' Day started being celebrated all over India on September 5 and this day became a symbol of the dignity of the student-teacher relationship.

Celebrations in Schools and Colleges

Teachers' Day is celebrated in a very special way in India. One of the most loved traditions of this day is "Role Reversal", when senior students take on the role of a teacher for a day. They take classes in the style of their teachers and it reflects humour and intimacy. This activity shows that education is not just a one-way process, but it is a medium of interaction and learning.

Apart from this, cultural programmes, poetry recitals, debates and speeches are organised. Teachers are thanked by giving them flowers, gifts and certificates. These small efforts reveal the deep gratitude of the students.

Vision and legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Born in 1888 in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Radhakrishnan rose from a humble background to become one of the world’s most respected philosophers and scholars. His profound understanding of comparative philosophy earned him international fame. He became India’s first Vice President (1952–1962) and second President (1962–1967) and combined scholarship with political responsibility.

According to him, teachers are not just imparters of knowledge but role models who promote character building, value education and critical thinking. He used to say that “teachers should be the best minds of the country,” because they build the future. His vision is as relevant today in 2025 as India is modernizing the education system.

Global Context: World Teachers' Day

While India celebrates Teachers' Day on September 5, the world celebrates World Teachers' Day on October 5. The day was declared by UNESCO in 1994 to commemorate the ILO/UNESCO recommendations of 1966 that defined the status and rights of teachers. This global day reminds us that teachers are the backbone of every society, shaping the future leaders, thinkers and innovators.

Teachers' Day 2025: Relevance in Modern India

The importance of Teachers' Day has increased further in 2025. In the era of technology, artificial intelligence and digital learning, the role of teachers has changed. They no longer just impart bookish knowledge, but teach values, creativity and adaptability to students. Even in the era of online education, teachers ensure that students use knowledge in the right direction.

Not just academics, teachers also stand in the front line for the mental health and emotional strength of students. They guide the youth by becoming an inspiring, guiding and empathetic partner. In such a situation, Teachers' Day is not just a tradition but a symbol of the inevitability of this bond.

✍️💭🗞️Conclusion

Teachers' Day 2025 is an occasion when we reflect on the contributions of teachers who have dedicated their lives to the progress of society. Inspired by the vision of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, this day is a celebration of not only the art of education but also the spirit of learning. This occasion, celebrated on September 5, reminds us that behind every successful person is the patience, guidance and wisdom of a teacher. Respecting teachers is not just a one-day but a lifelong duty.

🌸 Poems on Teacher's Day

• Poem 1:
• The Guru is the lamp of knowledge,
• Who shows the path in darkness.
• Life is incomplete without him,
• He teaches the truth every moment.

• Poem 2:
• Teachers are not just books,
• They show the way to live life.
• Becoming a shield in every difficulty,
• They teach us to move forward.

• Poem 3:
• He taught us to make dreams come true,
• Taught us to fight the struggles.
• The favor of a teacher is priceless,
• Which can never be expressed in words.