Teachers Day 2025: Real story behind September 5 celebrations

New Delhi: Teachers are pillars of the education system who teach us, the students, about life outside the classroom. It is their knowledge and values that help us learn, grow, and succeed in our lives. To honour their dedication, we celebrate Teachers’ Day across the world.

In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5 every year. On this day, the whole of India comes together to honour the teachers, educators, and mentors of our society who help shape society and guide future generations with their unwavering dedication and commitment. Do you know the history behind the celebration of Teachers’ Day on September 5 in India? As we celebrate Teachers’ Day 2025 today, let us remember the history of the date.

Teachers’ Day in India is observed every year on September 5 to remember Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary. He was an honourable man who was a great philosopher and an excellent educationalist. The tradition of celebrating Teachers’ Day on September 5 began in 1962, when the Government of India decided to accept the request of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birth anniversary as Teacher’s Day instead of being observed as a personal celebration. Since then, on every September 5, India celebrates Teacher’s Day to acknowledge the contribution of teachers in instilling good values in society.

A renowned philosophy scholar, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, was born in 1888. He was the first Vice President of India in 1952, and later on served as the second President of India in 1962.

During his tenure, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan always emphasised the importance of education in national development. He believed that teachers are the best minds in the country and have the power to shape the success of upcoming generations. His contributions as a teacher, philosopher, academician, and leader form the reason to celebrate his birth anniversary as Teacher’s Day in India.

On Teacher’s Day in India, schools and colleges are officially closed; however, to honour their teachers, the students organise parties, activities, and ceremonies in schools for their teachers.

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One of the common traditions of Teacher’s Day is that students dress up as teachers and take a class of their junior class in schools. Teachers also sometimes act as students to add humour to the Teacher’s Day celebrations and also highlight the mutual bond of learning and sharing. Also included are cultural activities, speeches, and functions that emphasise the importance of education and the role of teachers in building society.

Teachers’ Day is not just another date on the calendar. 5 September has special importance for those who shape young minds, build the nation with knowledge, and help instil good values in the generation. On Teachers’ Day 2025, it is an opportunity to make our teachers feel valued and important.