Teachers’ Day has been celebrated every year, since 1962, on September 5, in India.

• Theme for Teacher’s Day 2024: Empowering Educators for a Sustainable Future.

About Teacher’s Day in India

This date marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on September 5, 1888.

• First Teachers’ Day: It was observed on his 77th birthday in 1962.
• Aim: To honour educators and recognise their significant contributions in empowering and educating society. 

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About Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

He was the first Vice President of India (1952) and the second President of India (1962) and a renowned scholar and philosopher.

• Elected to Constituent Assembly: In 1946, he was elected to the Constituent Assembly. 
• An Ambassador to UNESCO: He led the Indian delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO; 1946–52) and was elected chairman of UNESCO’s executive board (1948–49). 
  • From 1949 to 1952 he served as Indian ambassador to the Soviet Union.
• Honours: In 1954, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna, the highest honour of the country. 
  • In 1968, he became the first individual to be awarded the Sahitya Akademi fellowship, the highest distinction.
  • In 1963, he was awarded the Order of Merit.
  • In 1975, he was awarded with the Templeton Prize for supporting non-violence and presenting the reality of God that embraced love and wisdom for all people. .
• Contributions:
• Donation of Salary: When he became the President, he accepted only ₹2,500 out of ₹10,000 salary and the remaining amount was donated to the PM’s National Relief Fund every month.
• Education: He believed in the transformative power of education and the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future of individuals and the nation.
  • His Few Important Books: 
    • The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore
    • Eastern Religions and Western Thought
    • Religion, Science and Culture
    • Living with a Purpose
    • Faith Renewed
    • Indian Philosophy
    • The Philosophy of the Upanishads

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