Honoring Educators: India's Teachers' Day and World Teachers' Day
India's Teachers' Day on September 5:
Teachers' Day in India is celebrated on September 5 to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned scholar, philosopher, and the second President of India. This date holds significance due to Radhakrishnan's profound contributions to the field of education and his lifelong commitment to teaching.
Background and Significance:
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a Telugu-speaking Niyogi Brahmin family in Tiruttani, Madras Presidency (now part of Tamil Nadu). His journey in education began with primary schooling at K. V. High School in Thiruttani and progressed to Hermansburg Evangelical Lutheran Mission School in Tirupati and Government High Secondary School in Walajapet. Radhakrishnan's career in academia included teaching at the University of Mysore and Manchester College, where he lectured on comparative religion to students at the University of Oxford.
Radhakrishnan's philosophy was deeply rooted in Advaita Vedanta, a tradition he reinterpreted for a contemporary understanding. He defended Hinduism against what he referred to as 'biases against my religion', emphasizing its intellectual and philosophical essence.
While serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and later as the first Vice President and second President of India, Radhakrishnan's dedication to education and teaching was widely recognized. In 1962, his students and friends suggested celebrating his birthday. Instead, Radhakrishnan requested that September 5 be designated as Teachers' Day. Since then, India has commemorated Teachers' Day on this day to honor and express gratitude towards educators.
On Teachers' Day, students engage in various activities to show appreciation for their teachers, such as presenting gifts, organizing performances, and writing thank-you notes. This day serves as a celebration of the immense role that teachers play in shaping the minds of future generations.
World Teachers' Day: October 5
Global Recognition:
World Teachers' Day, observed on October 5, was established in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the Recommendation concerning Teachers by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
UNESCO and Education International Campaign:
Each year, UNESCO and Education International (EI) organize a campaign to promote better understanding of teachers' roles in student and societal development. The campaign focuses on various themes to highlight the importance of education and the contributions of teachers. Through partnerships with the private sector, including media organizations, they aim to raise awareness and support for the teaching profession.
Themes and Activities:
For instance, one year's campaign might focus on the theme of inclusivity in education, emphasizing the need for every child to have access to quality education. Another year might highlight the challenges faced by teachers in rural and remote areas, calling for increased support and resources for these educational settings.
Bharat's Educational Legacy
India's Intellectual Heritage:
India has produced numerous erudite scholars and philosophers who have significantly contributed to global knowledge. Names like Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Mahatma Gandhi, and B.R. Ambedkar stand tall as luminaries in the country's intellectual history. It is vital to acknowledge and cherish the invaluable service these individuals have provided to the nation.
Principles of Righteousness and Non-Violence:
Dr. Radhakrishnan believed in the principles of righteousness and non-violence, which are deeply rooted in Indian culture and philosophy. These principles continue to influence the way teachers and students interact and learn.
Celebrating with Philately
National Recognition: Postal Stamps:
To commemorate Dr. Radhakrishnan's memory, the Government of India issued postal stamps. One of the stamps features his image, with the inscription 'Let's cherish his memory by adhering to the principles of righteousness and the path of non-violence,' aptly conveying the legacy he left behind.