Teachers' Day in India is celebrated annually on September 5 to honor Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President and second President of independent India. While globally Teachers' Day falls on October 5, in India the day is dedicated to Radhakrishnan's birthday in recognition of his belief that teachers should be the best minds of the country. As a philosopher and educationist, Radhakrishnan played a key role in shaping India's educational system and introducing Indian philosophy to the western world. The day celebrates teachers for their significant contributions in shaping students' lives and the destiny of the nation.

1. Teachers’ Day 2021: Why is
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s
birthday celebrated on Septmber
5?

2. Globally, Teachers' Day is celebrated on 5th October
every year but in India, it is celebrated on September
5 to honour teachers for their significant
contributions in shaping the life of students.
Teachers' Day in India is celebrated to commemorate
the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan - First Vice President of India and the
Second President of India and an educationist at
heart. World famous academic philosopher.
2nd President of independent India.

3. "Enlightened citizens cannot be produced in a
factory; it has to come through education.
So, teachers (Gurus) are the key torch-bearers" -
----- Nani Ardeshir Palkhiwala

4. Key Ideas
• Best known for his explanation of Indian philosophy to the west.
• Predominantly advaitin in outlook, which, like Gandhi he interpreted as
a universal religion, with particular emphasis upon social reform.
“It is an illusion that makes you think that your neighbour is someone
other than
yourself.”

5. Key ideas 2
• Fundamentally believed that all life
participates in a divine purpose, or idea,
which gives meaning to life.
• Science will never be able to understand
reality, as it is really only accessible to
the ineffable experience of mystics.

6. Main influence
He showed how western philosophers, despite all claims to objectivity,
were influenced by theological influences from their wider culture. In
one of his major works he also showed that Indian philosophy, once
translated into standard academic jargon, is worthy of being called
philosophy by western standards. His main contribution to Indian
thought, is that he placed it "on the map", thereby earning Indian
philosophy a respect that it had not had before.

7. Teachers' Day History:
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the President of India in 1962. It was his
friends and former students who approached him and requested him to let
them celebrate his birthday, which falls on 5th September. Dr S. Radhakrishnan
said that it would be his honour if 5th September would rather be celebrated as
Teachers' Day. This request of the second President of India showcased his
affection and dedication for teachers. From that day onwards, Teachers' Day is
celebrated on 5th September every year. The day is being observed since 1962,
the year when Dr Radhakrishnan assumed the post of the President of India. He
also was a believer in teachers being the best minds of the country.

8. Teachers' Day Significance:
It is always been maintained that the future of a country lies in the hands of its
children. Teachers, as mentors, can mould students into future leaders who then
shape the destiny of the nation. They also play a significant role in our lives to help
us become successful in our careers and business. They gently nudge us to become
good human beings, better members of our society and even ideal citizens of the
country. Teachers' Day is actually a celebration to acknowledge the hardship,
challenges and the unparalleled role that the teachers play in our lives.

9. Teachers' Day Facts:
- Teachers' Day is celebrated worldwide for the contribution of teachers to the
society.
- World Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 5, but Teachers' Day is celebrated
on different dates in different countries.
- The celebration in different countries is correlated to eminent personalities or
achievements and milestones in the domain of education.
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the second President of India in 1962. He
was a staunch educationist, a renowned diplomat and above all a great teacher.
- Dr. S Radhakhrishnan always believed that teachers should be the best minds in
the country.

10. https://indianexpress.com/article/education/teachers-day-2021-who-is-dr-sarvepalli-radhakrishnan-and-why-is-his-birthday-celebrated-as-teachers-day-7487072/
Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru with President Dr S Radhakrishnan. Express archive photo

11. Would like to acknowledge all the sources from where relevant information is shown here
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/events/when-is-teachers-day-2020-history-significance-facts-and-
celebration/articleshow/77906364.cms