Quick answer
Teachers’ Day in India is celebrated on 5 September, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, philosopher, teacher, and India’s second President. When students asked to celebrate his birthday in 1962, he suggested it be observed as Teachers’ Day instead. The President presents National Awards to Teachers on this day. World Teachers’ Day is on 5 October.
- Celebrated on 5 September since 1962.
- Honours Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
- National Awards to Teachers are presented on this day.
- World Teachers’ Day, set by UNESCO, is on 5 October.
Who was Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888 to 1975) was a philosopher and teacher who taught at universities in India and at Oxford. He served as India’s first Vice President and second President (1962 to 1967) and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954. He believed teachers should be the best minds in the country.
What are the National Awards to Teachers?
Every year on 5 September, the President of India presents National Awards to Teachers to recognise outstanding school teachers, selected through a process run by the Ministry of Education. Many states also give their own teacher awards.
How can students celebrate Teachers’ Day?
- Senior students teach a class for a period, with the teacher present.
- Students write thank-you notes describing what a teacher did for them.
- A special assembly with performances and speeches.
- A wall of thanks with messages from every class.
- Simple handmade cards rather than expensive gifts.
How can school leaders recognise teachers?
- Share specific stories of teachers’ impact with the whole school.
- Give awards for innovation, mentoring, and care, not only results.
- Invite alumni to thank their teachers.
- Give teachers time: cancel a meeting or reduce paperwork for the week.
- Commit to one change that reduces workload; see teacher workload management.
What is the difference between Teachers’ Day and World Teachers’ Day?
| Day | Date | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Teachers’ Day (India) | 5 September | Birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan |
| World Teachers’ Day | 5 October | Set by UNESCO, marking the 1966 recommendation on the status of teachers |
What should a Teachers’ Day message say?
- Name the teacher and something specific they did.
- Say what difference it made to you.
- Keep it short and sincere.
Example: Thank you for staying after class to explain fractions until I understood them. Maths stopped scaring me because of you.
Frequently asked questions
When is Teachers’ Day celebrated in India?
On 5 September.
Why is Teachers’ Day celebrated on 5 September?
It is the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who asked that his birthday be observed as Teachers’ Day.
Since when has Teachers’ Day been celebrated?
Since 1962.
When is World Teachers’ Day?
On 5 October.
Who gives the National Award to Teachers?
The President of India, on 5 September.
What is a good Teachers’ Day gift?
A handwritten note about what the teacher did for you is often valued most.
Is Teachers’ Day a holiday?
It is not a national holiday. Schools hold celebrations.