On the occasion of Teachers Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to the social media platform X to greet teachers across the country and pay tribute to former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
What Rajnath Singh Wrote
In his post, Rajnath Singh extended heartfelt greetings and good wishes to the entire teaching community on the occasion of Teachers Day. He said that teachers have always played a leading role in building the nation and society, and that no country's progress can be imagined without their contribution. He further noted that the day is observed to mark the birth anniversary of former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Towards the end of his post, Rajnath Singh bowed to Radhakrishnan's memory, expressed his respect for him, and shared a link along with the message. The post was put out on the same day that schools and educational institutions across the country hold programmes to honour teachers.
Why Teachers Day Falls on September 5 Every Year
Teachers Day is observed across India every year on September 5 because it marks the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. According to accounts of his life, when some of his students and colleagues once expressed a wish to celebrate his birthday in a special way, he told them he would feel prouder if the day was instead observed in honour of teachers. Carrying that thought forward, his birthday came to be marked as Teachers Day nationwide. Since then, schools, colleges and other educational institutions across the country use this date every year to remember and thank teachers for their contribution to shaping students' lives.
About Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan served as India's first Vice President and later as the country's second President. He is remembered as a torchbearer of Indian culture, a celebrated educationist, a great philosopher, and a devout Hindu thinker. In recognition of his contribution to education and philosophy, the Government of India honoured him with the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, in 1954. His birthday continues to be observed every year as Teachers Day across India, as a way of honouring the value and contribution of teachers in society.
Other Leaders Also Paid Tribute
Rajnath Singh was not the only leader to remember Dr. Radhakrishnan on the occasion. According to news reports, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with several other Union Ministers, also paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on Teachers Day. This reflects the importance the government attaches to the day and the manner in which teachers' contribution is being acknowledged at the highest levels.
Public Reaction
Rajnath Singh's post drew a mixed response from social media users. Several users praised the contribution of teachers, wished them well on Teachers Day, and joined in paying tribute to Dr. Radhakrishnan. At the same time, some users used the occasion to raise questions and concerns about the education system, the process of appointing teachers, and issues related to reservation.
