“True teachers are those who help us think for ourselves.” ~ Dr Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan
Teachers’ Day in India is celebrated every year on September 5th to mark the birth
anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was a former President of India,
scholar, philosopher, and Bharat Ratna recipient. As an educationist, he endorsed
education and was a prominent envoy, academician, and above all, a great teacher.
Teachers’ Day is a reminder of teachers’ role in nation-building by guiding and
educating our country’s brightest minds.
Why do we celebrate Dr Radhakrishnan’s birthday as Teacher’s Day in India?
On the occasion of Dr Radhakrishnan’s birthday, his pupil requested him to allow
them to celebrate his birthday. In reply, Dr Radhakrishnan said, “Instead of
celebrating my birthday separately, it would be a privilege if September 5th is observed
as Teachers Day”.
Talking about teachers and their role in one’s life, words cannot do justice; poems
don’t suffice, and proses fail to propagate. The worth of these magical people is not
quantifiable, and it is not an exaggeration to say that the teaching-learning
experience one has with them will either make them or break them.
A prevalent belief is that human beings are supposed to be learners throughout their
lives. This belief takes root in the foundation that teachers build. They permanently
impact our minds by instilling a spirit of learning and moulding us into better
versions of ourselves so that we become open to free thought and ready to pounce
upon the curiosities of our natural minds.
This empowerment to be intrigued and to go down all the rabbit holes in the world
and find meaning and purpose for ourselves is truly what our teachers inculcate in
us. And for these and various other reasons, we are forever indebted to these super
people who make life’s path easier for us.
Let us, on this occasion remind ourselves of the reprimands and encouragements
imparted to us by our teachers and express our gratitude with at least something as
simple as a smile.
So the next time you see your favourite teacher, make sure you let them know that.
