Key Highlights:
- Teachers’ Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President and distinguished philosopher
- The tradition began in 1962 when Dr Radhakrishnan requested his birthday be dedicated to honoring all teachers instead of personal celebration
- India has over 9.7 million teachers who contribute to educating more than 250 million students nationwide
Opening Context
Every September 5, India observes Teachers’ Day to honor the invaluable contributions of educators who shape the nation’s future. Teachers’ Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a revered philosopher, academic, and statesman who served as India’s second President from 1962 to 1967. Born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, Dr Radhakrishnan epitomized the highest ideals of teaching and scholarship throughout his distinguished career.
On September 5th, we honour Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an eminent philosopher and India’s Second President whose humility gave India its Teachers’ Day. This day is a tribute to the educators who ignite curiosity, cultivate wisdom, and shape the destiny of our nation through… pic.twitter.com/0DnqBBn2hD
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) September 5, 2025
The celebration of Teachers’ Day on September 5 began in 1962 when Dr Radhakrishnan’s students and colleagues wished to commemorate his birthday. However, he humbly suggested that instead of personal recognition, the day should honor all teachers across the country. This gesture reflects his deep belief that teachers are the architects of society’s progress. Today, Teachers’ Day serves as a nationwide tribute to educators who dedicate their lives to nurturing young minds and building the nation’s intellectual foundation.
The Formative Years of a Future Educational Icon
- Born into a modest Brahmin family in Tiruttani, Dr Radhakrishnan overcame financial constraints through academic excellence
- His journey from village schools to prestigious universities demonstrates the transformative power of education and determination
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s early life exemplifies the very values that Teachers’ Day celebrates. Born to Sarvepalli Veeraswami, a subordinate revenue official, and Sitamma, young Radhakrishnan faced significant financial challenges. Despite these hardships, his exceptional intelligence earned him scholarships throughout his academic journey, enabling him to pursue higher education.
Radhakrishnan completed his high school education at K.V High School in Tiruttani before moving to Voorhees College, Vellore, where he continued to excel academically. His outstanding performance secured him a scholarship to Madras Christian College, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in 1904 and Master’s degree in Philosophy in 1906. His dissertation, “The Ethics of Vedanta and its Metaphysical Presuppositions,” showcased his deep understanding of Indian philosophical traditions and marked the beginning of his lifelong mission to bridge Eastern and Western thought.
This academic foundation shaped Dr Radhakrishnan’s approach to Teachers’ Day philosophy: that education should be accessible to all, regardless of economic background, and that scholarly excellence should be rewarded and nurtured. His personal experience of overcoming obstacles through education became a cornerstone of his later advocacy for educational reform and teacher empowerment.
Distinguished Academic Career and Global Recognition
- Served as Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford University from 1936 to 1952
- Held prestigious positions including Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University
- Authored seminal works including “Indian Philosophy” that introduced Eastern thought to Western audiences
Dr Radhakrishnan’s teaching career began in 1909 at Presidency College, Madras, where he served as a lecturer in Philosophy. His exceptional pedagogical skills and scholarly insights quickly earned recognition, leading to appointments at various prestigious institutions. From 1918 to 1921, he taught at the University of Mysore, followed by a tenure at the University of Calcutta from 1921 to 1931 and again from 1937 to 1941.
The pinnacle of his academic career came with his appointment as Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford University from 1936 to 1952. This position made him one of the first Indian scholars to hold a chair at Oxford, where he introduced Western audiences to the depth and sophistication of Indian philosophical traditions. Simultaneously, he served as Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948, demonstrating his commitment to advancing Indian higher education.
Dr Radhakrishnan’s scholarly contributions were monumental. His work “Indian Philosophy” (1923) became a definitive text that presented Indian philosophical thought to the global academic community. Through his writings and lectures, he successfully challenged Western misconceptions about Indian spirituality and philosophy, establishing himself as a bridge between Eastern and Western intellectual traditions. These achievements exemplify the global impact that dedicated educators can have, reinforcing why Teachers’ Day celebrates such exceptional contributions to human knowledge.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s Academic and Leadership Positions with Awards
From Educator to Statesman: Serving the Nation
- Served as India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952
- Became India’s first Vice President (1952-1962) and second President (1962-1967)
- Received the Bharat Ratna in 1954, India’s highest civilian honor
Dr Radhakrishnan’s transition from academia to public service demonstrates how Teachers’ Day principles extend beyond the classroom. After India’s independence, his expertise and international reputation led to his appointment as India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. This diplomatic role allowed him to apply his philosophical understanding and communication skills to international relations during the crucial early years of independent India.
In 1952, Dr Radhakrishnan was elected as India’s first Vice President, a position he held for ten years until 1962. His tenure was marked by his dedication to educational reform and his belief that teachers should be among the finest minds in the country. When he assumed the presidency in 1962, he continued to advocate for educational excellence and the crucial role of teachers in nation-building.
The year 1962 holds special significance for Teachers’ Day history, as it was when Dr Radhakrishnan’s birthday was first officially celebrated as Teachers’ Day. His students and admirers wanted to honor his contributions, but he characteristically redirected the focus to celebrate all teachers. This act of humility and vision established the modern tradition of Teachers’ Day observance, which now involves over 9.7 million teachers across India serving more than 250 million students.
The Living Legacy of Teachers’ Day
- Modern Teachers’ Day celebrations involve role reversals where students teach classes
- Government initiatives like NISHTHA and National Mission for Mentoring support teacher development
- The 2025 theme “Inspiring the Next Generation of Learners” emphasizes teachers’ evolving role
Contemporary Teachers’ Day celebrations reflect Dr Radhakrishnan’s vision of mutual respect and continuous learning between educators and students. Schools and colleges across India organize special programs where senior students assume teaching responsibilities, symbolizing the cyclical nature of knowledge transfer that Dr Radhakrishnan championed throughout his career.
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives that honor the Teachers’ Day spirit through practical support for educators. The National Initiative for School Heads’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement (NISHTHA) represents the world’s largest integrated teacher training program, directly addressing Dr Radhakrishnan’s belief that teachers deserve the highest quality professional development. Similarly, the National Mission for Mentoring (NMM) aligns with National Education Policy 2020 objectives by connecting experienced educators with newer teachers.
The Teachers’ Day theme for 2025, “Inspiring the Next Generation of Learners,” captures the evolving role of educators in the digital age while maintaining Dr Radhakrishnan’s core philosophy. This theme acknowledges that modern teachers must not only impart knowledge but also inspire creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability in students. The celebration of Teachers’ Day thus serves as an annual reminder of the profound responsibility educators bear in shaping society’s future, continuing Dr Radhakrishnan’s legacy of elevating the teaching profession to its rightful place of honor and respect.
Final Perspective
Teachers’ Day on September 5 stands as a testament to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s enduring vision that educators are society’s most valuable assets. His journey from a financially constrained student in rural Tamil Nadu to becoming a globally respected philosopher and India’s President demonstrates the transformative power of education and dedicated teaching. The celebration of Teachers’ Day honors not just Dr Radhakrishnan’s memory, but the daily contributions of millions of teachers who carry forward his belief that education is the foundation of human progress.
As India continues to evolve in the 21st century, Teachers’ Day serves as an annual reminder that quality education and respected educators remain essential to national development. Dr Radhakrishnan’s legacy lives on through every teacher who inspires students to achieve their potential, every educational policy that prioritizes teacher welfare, and every September 5 celebration that reinforces the sacred bond between educators and learners. Teachers’ Day ultimately celebrates the universal truth that great teachers create great societies, a principle that Dr Radhakrishnan embodied throughout his remarkable life.
