Teachers Day

Gurur brahmaa gurur vishnuh
gurur devo maheshvarah
gurur saakshaat parabrahma
tasmai shree gurave namah.


Teachers' Day is celebrated on September 5, in honour of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, its second President, Profeesor of Philosophy and a noted educationist, on a day which happens to be his birthday. This is not a holiday in India; it's called a celebration day where teachers and students come but the usual activities are replaced by a mood of celebration, thanks giving and remembrance. At some schools on this day, the responsibility of teaching is taken up by the senior students as an appreciation for teachers.

Traditionally, people in India have given tremendous respect and honor for teachers. In fact an old Indian saying (usually taught to children), ranks teacher in the third place, even before God: "Maa, Pitha, Guru, Daivam", meaning Mother, Father, Teacher and God.