Teachers have an influencing role in the life of every student. They are like beacons of light, guiding us in the formative years of our life. Teachers mould us and in the process and shape our future. What we learn from our teachers remains with us, throughout our life. However, very often, we fail to show our appreciation and gratitude for their altruistic devotion. Teachers do need encouragement and support from the community to feel that their efforts are being recognized.
To serve the purpose, Teacher’s Day is celebrated throughout the world, year by year. By celebrating National Teacher’s Day, we thank our teachers for providing us their invaluable guidance. The festival is celebrated on different dates in different countries. In India, Teacher’s Day (also called Teachers’ Appreciation Day or National Teacher’s Day) is celebrated on 5th of September, every year. The date was selected, because it is the birthday of a timeless teacher and the former President of India – Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
When some of his students and friends approached him and requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday, he said, “instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege, if September 5th is observed as Teacher’s day”. From then onwards, the 5th of September has been observed as Teachers Day, in India. Since Teacher’s Day is observed on different dates in different countries of the world, the celebrations also vary. In many countries, cultural programs are held, which may include singing competitions, dance and play performances.
The students would offer flowers, greeting cards and gifts as the token of affection, to the teachers. The latest trend is to organize Teacher’s Day party. Students are keen about throwing a lavish party for their teachers, to show how much they care and respect them. The occasion can be celebrated in myriad other ways as well. Whatever the way you have chosen to amuse your teacher, it should convey your message to him/her, very convincingly. India has been celebrating Teacher’s Day on 5th September, since 1962.
The day commemorates the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a philosopher and a teacher par excellence, and his contribution towards Indian education system. Dr Radhakhrishnan believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”. On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist, apart from honoring all the teachers that have made our life much more knowledgeable and fulfilled, as serving as our beacons of light. Teachers’ Day is very important for all the people in India, as the teachers act as foundation for creating responsible citizens and good human beings.
It is impossible to imagine our lives without teachers. They are the cornerstone of our future. We can never thank our teachers enough for their immense contribution in our life. Teacher’s Day is celebrated to show our acknowledgement and recognition of the hard work put in by our teachers towards our development. Schools all over India celebrate Teacher’s Day by allowing the senior students to pose as teachers for a day. It is a fun-filled activity, which is enjoyed by both the acting teachers and their junior students. On this day, students bring gifts for their most admired teachers as well.
It is an equally special day for teachers, as they get to know how much they are liked and appreciated by their students. Gifts to teachers include flowers, greeting cards and other items. Some students also write poems and messages for teachers. Students look forward to Teacher’s Day with a lot of anticipation, for the sheer spirit of the occasion. Acting as teachers, they get a fair idea of the responsibility, so efficiently burdened by their teachers. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to be a good teacher and earn the fondness of the students at the same time.
Teachers, on this day, are reminded of their school days and feel nostalgic. All in all, it is celebration mode for everyone! Teachers mold the lives that they influence. Lessons learned from teachers remain with their students throughout life. Teachers that break down barriers and reach into the souls of the students that they are responsible for do not get the recognition or gratitude they have earned. Many teachers are exhausted from their workload and responsibilities. They have their own families, financial and life stresses that challenge them along with everyone else.
We should always respect our teachers. Teachers need encouragement and support from the community to feel that their devotion to students is appreciated. Socrates was an example of a good teacher. He considered himself a learner as well as a teacher. For Socrates, love and friendship were the proper contexts for the pursuit of wisdom and goodness. Socrates saw himself only as a catalyst. He felt it was not his teaching, but actually the power of the Divine which enabled the person he was talking with to improve himself.
