Teachers’ Day 2026: Why India Celebrates September 5; History, Quotes And Wishes | Education and Career News
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India celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 5, marking Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birth anniversary. The day honours teachers’ contributions to education and society.
Teachers’ Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President, philosopher, scholar and educationist.
Teachers’ Day 2026: India will celebrate Teachers’ Day on September 5, a day dedicated to honouring teachers and recognising their contribution to education and society. The date also marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President, philosopher, scholar and educationist.
Teachers’ Day gives students an opportunity to thank their teachers for their guidance, patience and contribution to their personal and academic development. Schools and colleges across the country mark the occasion with cultural programmes, speeches, student-led activities, felicitations and other events.
While September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day in India, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated internationally on October 5. UNESCO says World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994 and commemorates the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
Teachers’ Day 2026: Date
The day is observed annually on September 5 because it is the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who served as India’s second President from 1962 to 1967.
Dr Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888. He was a distinguished scholar and professor before entering public life and eventually becoming Vice President and President of India.
The story behind Teachers’ Day dates to 1962, when Dr Radhakrishnan became President of India. According to accounts from the President of India, some of his students and admirers wanted to celebrate his birthday.
Radhakrishnan reportedly suggested that rather than celebrating his birthday as a personal occasion, September 5 could be observed as Teachers’ Day. The date subsequently became associated with an annual celebration honouring teachers and their contribution to society.
Teachers’ Day History: Who was Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born in Tiruttani, in present-day Tamil Nadu, on September 5, 1888.
A philosopher, scholar and educationist, he taught at several prominent institutions and became one of India’s best-known thinkers. He was also associated with the University of Oxford, where he served as Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics.
Dr Radhakrishnan served as India’s first Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and became the country’s second President in 1962. He held the presidency until 1967.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.
Dr Radhakrishnan died on April 17, 1975.
His association with teaching and education remains central to the significance of September 5 in India.
Teachers’ Day Significance
Teachers’ Day is an occasion to recognise the role educators play in shaping individuals and society.
Teachers do more than impart academic knowledge. They can help students develop critical thinking, discipline, confidence, creativity, empathy and other skills that influence their lives beyond the classroom.
The day also provides an opportunity for students and society to acknowledge the time, effort and dedication required in the teaching profession.
At a broader level, Teachers’ Day highlights the importance of education in social and national development. It is also an occasion to reflect on the changing role of teachers as classrooms adapt to technology, new learning methods and evolving student needs.
How is Teachers’ Day celebrated in India?
Teachers’ Day celebrations differ from one educational institution to another. Schools and colleges commonly organise special programmes in which students express their appreciation for their teachers.
Some popular Teachers’ Day activities include:
- Cultural programmes, music, dance and skits
- Special school assemblies
- Speeches and presentations by students
- Thank-you cards and messages
- Flowers and small tokens of appreciation
- Student-led classes and activities
- Games and interactive programmes involving teachers
- Felicitation ceremonies for teachers
In some schools, senior students take on the role of teachers for a day, conducting classes or helping organise activities.
The day is also associated with the National Teachers’ Awards, through which outstanding teachers are recognised for their contribution to education.
Teachers’ Day in India vs World Teachers’ Day
Teachers’ Day in India and World Teachers’ Day are related in purpose but are separate observances.
Teachers’ Day in India: September 5
India celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 5, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
World Teachers’ Day: October 5
World Teachers’ Day is observed internationally on October 5.
According to UNESCO, the day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers and has been celebrated since 1994.
The recommendation addresses issues including teachers’ preparation, professional development, employment conditions, rights and responsibilities, and teaching and learning conditions.
Therefore, September 5 should not be described as the global Teachers’ Day. It is India’s national observance, while October 5 is World Teachers’ Day.
Teachers’ Day celebrations around the world
Different countries observe teachers through their own national days, while many also mark World Teachers’ Day on October 5.
United States
In the United States, National Teacher Day is observed on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. The wider Teacher Appreciation Week takes place during the first full week of May.
Schools and communities use the occasion to recognise teachers through appreciation activities, messages and events.
China
China observes Teachers’ Day on September 10.
The date was established in 1985 and is used to recognise the contribution of teachers and promote respect for the teaching profession.
Mexico
Mexico celebrates Teachers’ Day, known as Día de las Maestras y los Maestros, on May 15.
The day is marked with ceremonies and activities recognising educators and their contribution to education.
South Korea
South Korea celebrates Teachers’ Day on May 15, which coincides with the birthday of King Sejong the Great.
Students traditionally express their gratitude to teachers, including through flowers and messages of appreciation.
Thailand
Thailand observes National Teachers’ Day on January 16.
The occasion is marked with ceremonies and activities to honour teachers and recognise their contribution to education and society.
Russia
Russia observes Teachers’ Day on October 5, the same date as World Teachers’ Day.
The occasion is used to recognise educators and their contribution to students and society.
Teachers’ Day Quotes
- “Education should be imparted with a view to the type of society that we wish to build.” — Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
- “Teachers are the guiding light of our society and the architects of our nation’s future.” — President Droupadi Murmu
Happy Teachers’ Day Wishes
- Happy Teachers’ Day! Thank you for your patience, guidance and constant encouragement.
- Your lessons go far beyond textbooks and classrooms. Thank you for inspiring us to become better every day. Happy Teachers’ Day!
- Wishing a very Happy Teachers’ Day to all the teachers who inspire, guide and shape the future.
- Thank you for believing in your students and helping us discover our potential. Happy Teachers’ Day!
- A great teacher leaves a lasting impression through knowledge, kindness and example. Wishing you a very Happy Teachers’ Day.
- Your guidance has helped turn challenges into opportunities and lessons into lifelong memories. Happy Teachers’ Day!
- On Teachers’ Day, we thank every educator for the time, patience and dedication invested in shaping young minds.
- Happy Teachers’ Day to all the educators who make learning meaningful, engaging and inspiring.
Teachers’ Day 2026 FAQs
When is Teachers’ Day celebrated in India?
Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year on September 5 in India.
Why is Teachers’ Day celebrated on September 5?
September 5 is the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President and a distinguished philosopher, scholar and educationist. His association with education is the reason the date is observed as Teachers’ Day in India.
When was Teachers’ Day started in India?
The observance is associated with 1962, when Dr Radhakrishnan became President of India and suggested that his birthday be observed as Teachers’ Day instead of being celebrated as his personal birthday.
When is World Teachers’ Day?
World Teachers’ Day is observed on October 5 every year. UNESCO says it has been celebrated since 1994.
Who was Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher, scholar, educationist and statesman. He served as India’s Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and as the country’s second President from 1962 to 1967.
How do schools celebrate Teachers’ Day?
Schools and colleges commonly organise cultural programmes, speeches, student-led activities, appreciation events, games and felicitation ceremonies to thank teachers.
Quick Answers
Ask News18In the United States, National Teacher Day is celebrated on the Tuesday of the first full week of May with ceremonies and activities that recognise educators and their contributions. South Korea celebrates its Teachers’ Day on May 15, a date that coincides with the birthday of King Sejong the Great.
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Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience. He specialises in covering events and festivals and in driving SEO-focused content for News18.com. Tech-savvy and collab…Read More
September 02, 2026, 11:28 IST
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