[ By Prof. S.S. Dogra ]
If life is a lamp, the guru is its light. In Indian culture and tradition, the guru holds the highest place. Ancient texts equate the guru with Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. This is not merely a matter of faith, but an expression of the experience that the guru alone leads us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Teacher’s Day is a celebration of this guru–shishya tradition.
Why is Teacher’s Day Celebrated?
In India, Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 5th September to honor the birth anniversary of the great philosopher, scholar, teacher, and India’s second President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
When he became President, his students and friends requested to celebrate his birthday. Dr. Radhakrishnan humbly said:
“Instead of celebrating my birthday specially, it would be my pride and honor if this day is observed as Teacher’s Day.”
From this sentiment, the tradition of celebrating Teacher’s Day on 5th September began in India.
Origin of Teacher’s Day
Teacher’s Day was first celebrated in 1962, the year when Dr. Radhakrishnan’s first birthday occurred while he was President. Since then, the day has been observed across India with great enthusiasm.
World Teachers’ Day, observed every year on October 5, honors the invaluable contribution of teachers worldwide. Established by UNESCO and the ILO in 1994, it commemorates the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which set global standards for their rights, training, recruitment, and working conditions. The day emphasizes appreciating, assessing, and improving educators, while also highlighting the challenges they face and the essential role they play in shaping societies through knowledge and guidance.
How is Teacher’s Day Celebrated?
Students in schools and colleges honor their teachers.
Plays, poetry, speeches, and cultural programs are organized.
Students often symbolically take on the role of teachers and conduct classes.
Outstanding teachers are honored with the National Teacher Award at the national level.
People express their gratitude to teachers on social media and other platforms.
Purpose of Teacher’s Day
To honor the guru–shishya tradition.
To acknowledge teachers’ contributions and express gratitude.
To highlight the importance of education and values in society.
To instill respect and responsibility toward teachers among students.
Teacher’s Day in Nepal
Recently, I had the privilege of serving as a guest teacher at Hetauda Academy, Nepal. Here I learned that Teacher’s Day in Nepal is celebrated on Guru Purnima, which falls on the full moon of the month of Ashadh, usually in mid-July.
This day is dedicated to Maharishi Ved Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata, and is therefore also called Vyasa Jayanti.
On this day, students offer garlands, flowers, prasad, and caps to their teachers, and cultural programs are held in schools. Students remember the contributions of their teachers and pay respect to the guru–shishya relationship.
The True Essence of a Teacher: My Poem
A few years ago, I wrote a poem on the significance of teachers, titled:
“That is What a Teacher Is”
This poem has been broadcasted on All India Radio and published in several newspapers.
That is What a Teacher Is
In all our lives,
Whoever teaches us something good,
Yes, that is what a teacher is.
In childhood, the love of parents,
Values, behavior, and manners,
Teaching us understanding of the world—
Yes, that is what a teacher is.
In school and college, a friend
Who imparts the priceless treasure of knowledge,
Yes, that is what a teacher is.
In moments of crisis, who embraces us
And shows the ray of hope,
Yes, that is what a teacher is.
In darkness, who inspires right thoughts
And lights the path of hope,
Yes, that is what a teacher is.
In moments of success, who sheds tears of joy
For the achievements of the student,
Yes, that is what a teacher is.
When the student surpasses the teacher
And gains recognition in society,
The teacher’s life becomes truly successful—
Yes, that is what a teacher is.
This poem highlights that a teacher is not merely an educator but a guide throughout life.
“The Priceless Resource”
Whether in India or Nepal, Teacher’s Day reminds us that the guru–shishya bond transcends time and boundaries.
In today’s digital age, the tools of education have changed—digital classrooms and e-learning have transformed teaching. Yet, the role of the teacher can never diminish. Machines can provide information, but life values and ethics can only be taught by teachers.
Teacher’s Day is not just a celebration but an opportunity to honor every teacher who has guided us through life.
“Significance of teachers”
Saint Kabir beautifully expresses the glory of the guru in this couplet:
“Guru Govind Dono Khade, Kaake Laagoon Paay.
Balihaari Guru Apne, Jin Govind Diyo Batay.”
Meaning: When both the guru and God stand before you, whom should you salute first? Kabir says—first the guru, for it is the guru who shows the path to God.
Even today, the guru–shishya tradition is slowly fading. Teacher’s Day reminds us that honoring our teachers, just like our parents, is our duty. Through their guidance, we can achieve countless accomplishments in life.
On this Teacher’s Day, let us all pledge:
To always respect our teachers and make our lives meaningful under their blessings.
(Prof. S. S. Dogra is a senior journalist, distinguished author & committed media campaigner. With decades of experience in journalism and education, he continues to inspire society through his writings, lectures, Social and cultural initiatives across India and Nepal. Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, Hetauda Academy, Nepal. He can be accesed via following Email ID: ssdogra2020@gmail.com)
