Opinion | Teacher’s Day: Honouring the Mentors who Guide Minds and Hearts

Appreciating teachers who nurture knowledge, shape character, illuminate paths, ignite minds, and transform young students for life’s journey with wisdom and integrity

Every year on 5th September, India pays tribute to teachers on the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a philosopher, scholar, and the second President of India. This day reminds us that teaching is not merely a profession but a mission, one that builds character, nurtures potential, and guides future generations.

The idea of Teachers’ Day in India began with Dr. Radhakrishnan himself. When his students wanted to celebrate his birthday, he suggested that instead of honoring him alone, the day should be dedicated to teachers everywhere. His humility and wisdom set the tone for a tradition that continues to this day. On the global stage, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5th October, as established by UNESCO. Whether in India or worldwide, the message remains the same: teachers are the builders of nations and the custodians of human progress.

In many cultures, teachers are called “spiritual fathers” because they nurture not only the mind but also the spirit. Parents give us life, but teachers give us purpose, wisdom, and direction. They are our ustaad, guru, and rehbar—guides who light the path when we stumble in darkness. Their contribution cannot be measured in books or degrees; it lies in the transformation they bring to their students. A true teacher creates thinkers, dreamers, and doers who carry forward the torch of knowledge.

Reflecting on personal experience, I feel the way we perceive and celebrate Teachers’ Day has evolved over time. In today’s modern age, we celebrate many occasions, Friendship Day, Mother’s Day, Children’s Day and Teachers’ Day with enthusiasm. But decades ago, the spirit was different. Grand celebrations in schools or colleges were rare, yet respect for teachers was immense. If a teacher passed by on the road, students would quietly step aside, lower their gaze, and allow the teacher to go first. It was not fear but pure respect. The mere presence of a teacher commanded dignity. At that time, when we were disciplined by teachers, we built resistance and patience. We thought over our faults and understood where we had done wrong and how to correct ourselves. That resilience was built out of discipline.

Nowadays, however, the new generation is usually more sensitive to rebuke. Children fear punishment; tolerance and forbearance are scarce. Unfortunately, some even experience inordinate pressures, and we hear examples of stress resulting in disastrous outcomes. I can provide a personal illustration: my children at home frequently request me to teach them, but if I commit even a small error, they will not accept it. In our day, if we misbehaved or truanted, we would be beaten up, yet that also taught us responsibility and the importance of learning.

Now, the student-teacher relationship is more informal. Students joke, laugh, and freely interact with teachers, creating a warm and cheerful learning environment. Amidst this informality, though, the profound reverence and awe of yesteryears have been lost. The good news is that respect did not vanish; it has merely changed. Appreciation today can manifest in affection, friendship, or appreciation, yet it still conveys the dignity of honoring teachers.

Teachers are not just teachers, they are mentors, role models, and visionaries. They make us think, inspire creativity, and learn to question and reflect. From the old Gurukul system of India to the contemporary classrooms of today, teachers have been the bedrock of social and moral upbringing. All scientists, leaders, artists, or reformers stand on the shoulders of what their teachers have built. When we pay respects to teachers, we pay respects to every future that they silently help build.

This day makes society as a whole say: thank you. Students express love and appreciation, institutions show respect for the significance of the profession, communities celebrate and unite teaching and humanity, and teachers themselves feel invigorated and recognized. Teachers Day reminds us that education is not only about academic learning, but also about developing people who are humane, accountable, and confident. Teachers Day is filled with creativity and fun in schools and colleges. Students rehearse songs, plays, and moving speeches. In some primary and secondary schools, students are assigned as the teacher for a day – thus enabling respect and admiration for the complexity and reality of the pedagogy work. All on the planet – and all types of, teachers are given national and state honors, again, as constant, worthwhile professionals, for over many years. Despite the fact that some of these commemorations are large and others are small, all of this participation evokes one simple message: teaching is an act of love, and we all owe our thanks to teachers. In fact, if Teachers’ Day is fun, it is also a tacit reminder of how we can help teachers.

Today’s teachers learn new technology, multitasking classrooms, and increasingly high expectations. They reconcile academics with emotional care, helping students navigate pressures and distractions. Rather than viewing these challenges as barriers, we can consider them opportunities. Each new expectation of teachers represents an opportunity to make education more creative, diverse, and meaningful. As a collective, we can make their journey smoother with respect, resources, and inspiration.

Today, teachers’ roles are so much more than transfer knowledge. Teachers in a digital world foster critical thinking, discerning information, and learning wisely. Teachers consider all-round development (values, teamwork, and perseverance) beyond subject matter. Today’s educators do not just lecture; they can be trusted guides, mentors, and friends. Beyond students preparing for examinations, teachers also prepare them for their daily lives.

Dr. Radhakrishnan stated: “True teachers are those who help us think for ourselves.” By making students think, question, and innovate, teachers ensure that society progresses with wisdom and accountability. Better opportunities for training and development, recognition and reward for teaching excellence, continual respect and appreciation of students, and an environment that positions the teaching profession among equal worth as any other. Supporting teachers is supporting the future.

Teachers’ Day is not just a matter of reminiscing about the past, but also one of constructing the future. Teachers continue to be the mentors, the spiritual mothers and fathers, who shape young minds and guide them through the journey of life. How we show respect might have changed, but the value of gratitude is eternal. Whether in reverence, love, or appreciation, paying respect to teachers is paying respect to knowledge itself.

As we mark Teachers’ Day, let us take forward a good message: to students, always treasure the privilege of learning and the teachers who bestow it on you; to teachers, keep inspiring with love and commitment, aware that your work sends waves across generations; and to society, bear in mind that by appreciating and empowering teachers, we give ourselves a brighter, wiser, and kinder future.

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