The Indian Context – From Guru Purnima to Dr. Radhakrishnan

In India, the reverence for teachers has deep roots. The ancient tradition of Guru Purnima embodies the idea that a teacher (guru) is not just an instructor but also a spiritual and moral guide. The Sanskrit verse “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara” highlights the teacher’s role in leading a student from ignorance to wisdom, comparable to the divine forces of creation, preservation, and transformation.

Modern India chose 5th September—the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the philosopher, teacher, and the second President of India—as its Teachers’ Day. When some of his students and friends asked to celebrate his birthday, Dr. Radhakrishnan humbly suggested that it should instead be marked as a day to honour all teachers. This decision reflects his belief that education is a shared social mission, not the achievement of one individual.

The Global Perspective – Different Dates, Shared Spirit

While India marks Teachers’ Day in September, many countries observe it on different dates, often with unique reasoning. The United States celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week in May, aligning with the end of the school year, when students and families reflect on a year of learning. In Germany, World Teachers’ Day on 5th October is observed, following UNESCO’s declaration in 1994 to acknowledge the global role of educators. Other countries connect the day with historical figures or national education reforms.

What ties all these observances together is the recognition that teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling to nurture future generations. Each cultural choice of date reflects its values: whether honouring a philosopher-president, aligning with harvest and gratitude traditions, or promoting international solidarity.

The Rationale Behind Celebration

Celebrating Teachers’ Day is not simply about expressing gratitude with flowers or cards. It is about reaffirming society’s respect for the transformative role of educators. Teachers carry forward wisdom, sustain traditions, and empower individuals to build just and compassionate communities. Just as Guru Purnima symbolizes the spiritual bond between teacher and student, modern Teachers’ Day reminds us that this relationship remains timeless, relevant, and essential across cultures.

On this day, let’s joins the global community in honouring all teachers—past, present, and future—for being the torchbearers of knowledge and values.

Author

Kaushik Thanki

Logistic & ICAW Member