You Know why we celebrate Teacher’s Day on the Birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
In India Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 5 September to honour all the Respected Teacher’s & Educators.
India celebrates Teacher’s day on the birth anniversary of Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is an Indian Philosopher & Politician, also the vice-president of India,from 1952 to 1962 & second president of India, from 1962 to 1967.
He was born on 5 September 1888.
Reason behind celebrating Teacher’s Day on the birthday of Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan .
Since 1962,in honor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday & his philosophies September 5 is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India.
When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the Prisedent of India in 1962,after that he was visited by few students of him with a request of celebrating his birthday, instead, Dr. Radhakrishnan Asked them to dedicated it to Teacher’s on 5 September
Sarvpalli Radhakrishnan thoughts on education
- “True teachers are those who help us thinking for ourselves”
- “Books are the means by which we build bridges between cultures”
- A life of joy and happiness is possible only if the basis of knowledge and Science”
- “Teacher should be the best mind in the country”
- “When we think we know we cease to learn.”
The Significance of Celebrating Teacher’s Day on Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s Birthday
Introduction
Teacher’s Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence in many countries around the world. In India, it is observed on the 5th of September every year to honor the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping the lives of students. Interestingly, this date holds special significance as it marks the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a towering figure in Indian education and philosophy. In this blog, we’ll delve into why Dr. Radhakrishnan’s birthday was chosen for this celebration and the profound impact he had on education and society.
Who Was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?
Born on September 5, 1888, in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a distinguished philosopher, statesman, and educator. He was not only a visionary thinker but also an erudite scholar who made significant contributions to Indian philosophy and comparative religion.
Radhakrishnan’s works in philosophy were widely acclaimed and earned him global recognition. He bridged the gap between Eastern and Western philosophies, emphasizing the unity of all religions and advocating for a harmonious coexistence of cultures.
From Teacher to Statesman
After a stellar academic career, Radhakrishnan went on to become a professor at the University of Mysore and later at the University of Calcutta. His brilliant lectures and profound insights earned him accolades both in India and abroad. He was eventually appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and later as the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University.
His dedication to education and intellectual pursuits didn’t stop there. He went on to serve as the Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union, and later as India’s first Vice President and second President. His tenure as President (1962-1967) was marked by his statesmanship and his efforts to promote education, culture, and international understanding.
The Teacher-Philosopher
One of the most remarkable aspects of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s life was his unwavering commitment to education. He firmly believed that education was not just a means to acquire knowledge, but a tool for personal and societal transformation. He stressed the importance of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and ethical values in education.
His writings, which include books like “The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore” and “Indian Philosophy,” continue to be influential in the fields of philosophy and education. His erudition and eloquence helped bring Indian philosophy to the forefront of global philosophical discourse.
Why Celebrate Teacher’s Day on Dr. Radhakrishnan’s Birthday?
The decision to celebrate Teacher’s Day on Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday was not made by him, but by his students and admirers. When he became the President of India, some of his former students and friends approached him and requested to celebrate his birthday as a mark of respect for his contributions to education.
In response, Dr. Radhakrishnan suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, it would be more apt to commemorate the day as Teacher’s Day to honor all teachers for their selfless dedication and contributions to society. He believed that teachers played a crucial role in shaping the youth and the future of a nation.
Conclusion
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s legacy continues to inspire generations of educators, philosophers, and students worldwide. His profound insights into education and philosophy, along with his exemplary life, make him a fitting symbol for Teacher’s Day celebrations.
On this special day, it is not only Dr. Radhakrishnan’s memory that is honored, but the entire teaching community is acknowledged for their tireless efforts in nurturing young minds and building a better society. Teacher’s Day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role that educators play in shaping the destiny of nations and fostering a culture of learning and enlightenment.