5 September: National Teachers Day

Every year 5th September is being observed as National Teachers Day in India.
Significance of Day: Observance of this day commemorates the birthday of India’s first Vice President and second President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan since 1962.
This year’s celebration: Various programmmes in schools and colleges throughout the country are being organised in the honour of teachers who shape the lives of students and show them the path of success

About Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

• Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on 5 September 1888 in Thiruttani in then Madras Presidency of British India.
• He was an Indian philosopher and statesman and one the best known scholars in the field of comparative religion and philosophy in India in the 20th century.
• He had tremendously contributed towards the new contemporary Hindu identity in the eyes of the ill-informed Westeners.
• He held great respect for teachers and always believed that teachers are real nation builders and thus should always be the best minds in the country.
• Important Posts held: He was the first Vice President of India (in office from 1952–1962), Second President of India (in office from 1962 to 1967).
• Awards: He was honoured with Bharat Ratna (1954), British Royal Order of Merit (1963) etc.

Note: He was first recipient Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award along with politician C. Rajagopalachari, scientist C. V. Raman.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2016