Every year on September 5, India observes Teachers’ Day, a celebration dedicated to honoring educators. Educational institutions such as schools and colleges host various activities to acknowledge the contributions of teachers. Students often arrange cultural performances, games, and other events aimed at celebrating their teachers. In a unique twist, senior students frequently take over the teaching responsibilities for younger classmates, allowing teachers to step away from their usual roles. In many schools, students may also respectfully impersonate their teachers, creating a fun atmosphere where roles are reversed.

The significance of September 5 lies in its association with Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a distinguished scholar, philosopher, and the second President of India, who was born on this date in 1888. The practice of commemorating Teachers’ Day on his birthday began in 1962, when his students and admirers sought to celebrate him after he assumed the presidency. Radhakrishnan proposed that instead of merely celebrating his birthday, the day should be designated as a tribute to the teaching profession.

Beyond his presidency, Radhakrishnan was deeply invested in education, having taught philosophy at various institutions and held the position of Vice-Chancellor at both Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University. He also served as India’s inaugural Vice-President before becoming President.

Radhakrishnan’s educational philosophies continue to shape the essence of Teachers’ Day. In a Teachers’ Day address, former President Pranab Mukherjee referenced Radhakrishnan’s belief that “the aim of education is not the acquisition of information… but the development of that bent of mind, that attitude of reason, that spirit of democracy, which will make us responsible citizens.” This perspective underscores Radhakrishnan’s enduring influence on the day, emphasizing that education transcends mere academic content and technical expertise, focusing instead on fostering critical thinking and civic responsibility.

September 5, 2026, will also mark the 51st anniversary of Radhakrishnan’s passing, who died on April 17, 1975.

In the years following India’s independence, the government established the University Education Commission in 1948, appointing Radhakrishnan as its chairman. This commission evaluated the state of university education and proposed reforms to address the future educational needs of the country. Its findings laid the groundwork for the evolution of higher education in post-independence India.

The recommendations from this commission significantly impacted various aspects of university education, teaching quality, academic research, and organizational structures within academia. Government documents have recognized its 1948-49 report, along with the subsequent Kothari Commission report, as pivotal in shaping future educational policies. Notably, the concept of “deemed to be universities” was also a result of the Radhakrishnan Commission’s suggestions.

On Teachers’ Day 2026, the National Teachers’ Awards will be presented, with President Droupadi Murmu honoring 48 school teachers in New Delhi. These awardees were selected through a multi-tiered evaluation process spanning district, state, and national levels, representing 27 states, seven Union Territories, and six central government organizations.

The National Teachers’ Awards, established in 1958, aim to recognize educators who have made significant contributions to school education and have had a positive impact on their students’ lives.

It is important to distinguish India’s Teachers’ Day from World Teachers’ Day, which is celebrated internationally on October 5. According to UNESCO, World Teachers’ Day has been observed since 1994 and commemorates the adoption of the 1966 ILO-UNESCO recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which set international standards regarding teachers’ rights, responsibilities, preparation, employment, and working conditions.

In 2026, World Teachers’ Day will mark the 60th anniversary of this important recommendation, focusing on the protection and advancement of teachers’ status in an evolving global landscape.