This is how Teachers’ Day came into being

Every year, India celebrates Teachers’ Day on November 5, to appreciate the contributions made by the teachers. 

There is a shloka ‘Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara; Guru Saakshaat,  Param Brahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah’.  This sholka says teachers are revered as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara in India. 

Teachers go out of their ways to shape the career of their students. They play a vital role in a student’s career because they lay the required cornerstone of his/her career. And, they bask in glory when their teachers are posted at higher positions. 

On this day, educational institutions and social organizations organise several programmes to make the day special and memorable for the teachers. At the educational institutions, students worship their teachers. After applying tilak of sandalwood paste on their foreheads, students offer ‘aarati’ to them and seek their blessings. At some institutions, elocution and painting competitions are also organised. 

But, why September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day?
 
The observance of Teachers’ Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, a great scholar, a noted diplomat and above all, a teacher. He was born on September 5, 1888. 

When he was elected as the President of India, his students and friends came to him with a proposal. They said they wanted to celebrate his birthday to honour his accomplishments. He humbly turned down the proposal and advised them to celebrate the day to acknowledge a teacher’s sacrifices and contribution to national building.
 
Thus, the Teachers’ Day came into existence.