India observes Teachers’ Day on September 5 every year to honour educators across the country and recognise their contribution to society and nation-building by shaping the future of millions of students. The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the distinguished philosopher, scholar, and statesman who served as India’s first Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and its second President from 1962 to 1967.
He served as a professor at several noted universities, including the University of Mysore and the University of Calcutta. His philosophical and intellectual pursuits earned him the Spalding Professorship of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford. The awards honour teachers who, through their commitment and hard work, have not only improved the quality of school education but have also enriched the lives of their students.
Dr Radhakrishnan graduated from Madras Christian College in 1907 and completed his master’s degree from the same college in 1909. Every year, the President of India confers the National Awards on Teachers on September 5 to celebrate the unique contributions of some of the finest teachers in the country. This year, a total of 48 school teachers have been selected through a three-stage selection process at the district, state, and national levels by the Department of School Education and Literacy. The 48 selected teachers are from 27 states, seven Union Territories, and six organisations of the Central Government. Of the 48 selected teachers, 26 are male, and 22 are female.
