Teachers’ Day: A tribute to Dr. Radhakrishnan and the knowledge-givers of the nation
A teacher can be considered to be a friend, philosopher and guide who influences the mindsets of the future generations. In honour of these noble souls, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the 5th of September every year. This date is special because it was the birthday of the venerated first Vice President of the country, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan.
The tradition of celebrating Teachers’ Day started from the year 1962 to pay tribute to Dr Radhakrishnan. He was a philosopher, scholar and politician. But above all, he was an exemplary teacher. He dedicated his life to working for the betterment of the education system of the country. He shaped up the youth of the nation and led them towards a righteous path.
Dr Radhakrishnan was born on 5th September 1888. He came from a middle-class family in Tirutani. Dr Radhakrishnan was said to have been an outstanding student. He studied philosophy from the Christian College in Madras. His teaching career was quite versatile. He taught at colleges from the University of Mysore to the University of Calcutta. Dr Radhakrishnan was also appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Delhi University and Banaras Hindu University.
He was awarded the highest honour in the country, the Bharat Ratna in 1954. He was nominated 27 times for the Nobel Prize. This includes 16 times for the Nobel prize and Literature and 11 times for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Apart from Dr Radhakrishnan, there have been others who have worked with dedication for the improvement of the status of education in the country. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was another former President of the country who is known for his extravagant contribution to the field of education.
This Teachers’ Day let us remember the maestros of education. Also, let us not forget the contribution of all the teachers in the building up of the personality that we carry with up today. Thank you, teachers for creating wonderful human beings who will become the backbone of the country in the near future.
