Teachers’ Day 2024 today; history, theme, how India is celebrating Shikshak Divas

NEW DELHI: National Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year on September 5, the birth anniversary of India’s second president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, to honour the contribution of teachers at all levels in improving education and lives of children. The theme for National Teachers' Day 2024 is “Empowering Educators for a Sustainable Future”.

When Radhakrishnan paid a visit to some school students in 1962, he was requested to celebrate his birthday on September 5. Instead, he suggested dedicating the day to the teachers of India.

Teachers' Day 2024: Awards to teachers

Today, President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teachers’ Award 2024 to 82 awardees for their contribution in the field of education. Each award carries a certificate of merit, a cash award of Rs 50,000 and a silver medal. Additionally, the teachers would also get an opportunity to interact with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While the Department of School Education & Literacy has selected 50 teachers for this year’s National Teachers' Awards, 16 teachers each from the Department of Higher Education and from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will be awarded.

Besides, the state governments will be honouring the teachers in their schools and colleges with state teachers’ awards at their own level.

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Teachers’ Day 2024: How is India celebrating?

Schools, colleges and universities will organise various cultural events and programmes as part of the Teachers’ Day 2024. School students across the country will dress up as teachers and honour their favourite teachers as part of the usual trend.

Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be exclusively open to teachers today in a special celebration, including free entry to the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum.

Sharing her thoughts on this Teacher’s Day; Seema Anis, Principal, Manav Rachna International School extended her deepest appreciation to the exceptional educators at the school. She said, “Our teachers do more than educate; they are the mentors who nurture our students, guiding them through their formative years and beyond. They play a crucial role in developing not just academic skills but also the values and confidence that our students carry throughout their lives giving the society the much needed wholesome personalities.”

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Calling her teachers “unseen heroes who encourage every student to explore their potential, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence”, she added that they provide unwavering support, patiently guiding each child through moments of uncertainty and celebrating their achievements with genuine joy. She thinks that their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, fostering a love of learning and a sense of integrity in every young mind they touch.

She believes that their role in shaping the minds and characters of young learners is unparalleled and worthy of much respect.

Honouring the teachers for their dedication, enthusiasm, and the countless ways they contribute to the school and the community as a whole, the principal further stated, “To all are teachers – you are amazing as you light that fire of goodness within the people around you, meeting every word of William Buttler Yeats when he said: Education is not filling of a pail, but lighting of a fire! Thank you Teachers for being you and sharing the best hours of your life with your students.”