The world celebrates Teacher's Day on October 15, but in India, this important day is celebrated on September 5, the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an academic philosopher and India's second President.
Dedicated to this great man's memory, the occasion is looked forward to by students and teachers alike. It provides an opportunity to take a moment and thank some of the most important people in our lives, the ones who impart knowledge and instruct us.
The great and lasting influence a teacher can have on the student's life is undeniable, and a good teacher is remembered forever.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan staunchly believed in the importance of education and was one of India's celebrated diplomat, politician, scholar and above all, teacher. He also wrote on a number of issues and subjects, and to date, his books remain an excellent source of information and knowledge.
His life
Born in a small town of Madras Presidency to a poor Telugu family on September 5, 1888, Dr. Radhakrishnan was an intelligent and diligent student, who was awarded scholarships and accolades throughout his student life. He graduated from Madras Christian College with a degree in Philosophy and his thesis was published when he was only 20 years old. In 1918, Dr. Radhakrishnan was selected as Professor of Philosophy by the University of Mysore.
He became the Principal of Harris Manchester College and later, in 1931, was knighted by George V for his services to education. He did not use the title but chose to be addressed by his academic title of Doctor.
For Dr. Radhakrishnan, the issues of education and nationalism were intertwined, and he believed that a good and complete education would quicken not only the development of the individual but is the only responsible and practical means to the creation of Indian solidarity and clarity of national vision.
He was greatly admired and loved as a teacher, and Dr. Radhakrishnan's students approached him after he became President, with the request to celebrate his birthday, September 5. He replied that it would be his proud privilege if instead of just as his birthday, September 5 was observed as Teachers' Day in the country. The request clearly showed Dr. Radhakrishnan's love and dedication towards the vocation.
Celebrations in some Delhi schools:
Shemrock School: To make September 5 a memorable day, students will don their favourite teacher's cap and imitate them. To express gratitude and respect for their teachers, the students will also make small cards to present to their favourite teachers.
Bluebells International School: On Teachers' Day, we are going to get the students to become teachers for a day. From Std. III to Std. XI, the students will conduct classes and we'll even get a few old students to come attend those classes.- Ms. Jyoti Arun, Academic head.
Apeejay Sheikh Sarai: The students of Apeejay dress up in salwar kameez as their teachers and give the real ones a break, maintaining discipline and decorum in school
Mother's International: Here too, the children take over from the teachers, and the day ends early, culminating in a function that honours and entertains the teachers.
The perfect teacher
KRITI PANJWANI, 8: He should not get angry too quickly but do fun things in the classroom, like quizzes and games. He should also not scream at the students.
RISHABH HALDAR, 15: I have a particular problem with mathematics. My perfect teacher will be able to teach me the subject in such a way that I understand it without getting bored. He will also have a lot of patience and not scream when I ask the same question again and again.
MEENA SHARMA, 12: A perfect teacher will make classes fun and not give surprise tests every second day. He or she will also not pile up homework
AKHILESH KUMAR, 11: Doing badly in a test doesn't mean that a student is stupid. A perfect teacher knows that. He also understands jokes and doesn't take everything too seriously.
SONALI BASU, 16: A perfect teacher is going to make classes perfect too. He or she will make me want to go to class, and I'll remember this teacher long after I'm out of school.
