Teachers' Day 2026: Quotes & Celebration in India & World

Teachers Day in India is celebrated on the 5th of September annually. The day is observed on the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who was the 2nd President of India. The day recognises the role and contribution of teachers in building the nation by transforming the lives of students.

Be it school teacher, college professor or our manager at workplace all play an important role in our life as teachers and mentor with their guidance and wisdom. Their wisdom helps us in developing critical thinking and take important decision in life, and shape our career. Good teachers transform us in becoming a better human being. Dr. Radhakrishnan once said in a famous quote.

• Teacher's Day in India is celebrated on 5th September because it is the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was a renowned philosopher, scholar and teacher. He served as the 1st Vice President of India from 13th May 1952 to 12th May 1962. Afterwards, he served as the President of India from 13th May 1962 to 13th May 1967.
• After Dr. Radhakrishnan became President of India, his friends and students wished to celebrate his birthday. He suggested that rather than celebrating it as a personal occasion, 5th of September should be celebrated as Teacher's day to recognise the role and contribution of teachers. This idea turned his birth anniversary into a national occasion for celebrating teachers in India.
• The Teachers day recognises that the teachers contribute much more than just completing the syllabus in the class. They always try to generate curiosity, discipline, values, confidence and critical thinking among students. Teachers help the young minds to acquire knowledge, identify their abilities and become responsible citizens of the country.
• They contribute to preserving culture, encourage scientific temper and contribute to social progress. Schools and colleges mark the day through special assemblies, cultural programmes or performances, speeches, cards and other student related activities.
• The National Teacher's Awards are also associated with this occasion which is given to recognise the role of teachers in the society. Therefore, 5th of september is a tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's educational ideals and the dedication of teachers across the nation.

Many great personalities in the world have given the quotes on the teachers for their relentless contribution in bringing a positive change in the society. Few of them are mentioned below.

• Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on 5th September 1888 in Tiruttani in the present day Tamil Nadu. He studied at Madras Christian College and developed a lifelong interest in philosophy and its relevance to modern life.
• He started his professional career as a teacher and later taught philosophy at prestigious colleges and universities including the University of Mysore and the University of Calcutta. He served as a Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936 and Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948.
• His academic work introduced Indian philosophy to the international community and encouraged a meaningful dialogue between Eastern and western opinion of thoughts.
• Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan represented India as Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. He became the first Vice-President of India in 1952. He held office for 2 terms until 1962 and later served as the 2nd President of India from 13th May 1962 to 13th May 1967.
• He believed that the teachers should be among the finest minds in society. Therefore, his birthday is celebrated as Teacher's Day in India. It reflects his enduring contribution to education, philosophy and public service. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan died on 17th April 1975.

• The Teachers' day theme 2026 is yet to be announced by the Ministry of Education in India. The theme for teachers day helps the government, schools and communities design their activities and campaigns to circulate a common message. The theme also draws its attention to prevailing challenges such as less number of teachers per student, providing better teacher training, among others.
• The sole purpose of teachers day theme is not just the observance or celebration of the day but also the need and scope for the reforms. The day encourages policy dialogue, research and people's awareness about strengthening the teaching profession and improving the learning outcomes. This makes the teachers day more meaningful and action-oriented.
• At the International level, the world teacher's day 2026 is celebrated on 5th October 2026 emphasising protecting and advancing the status of the teaching profession in an evolving world. The day focuses on the need of improving teaching, learning and working conditions, professional recognition, training and support so that they can efficiently prepare the students for every possible future challenge and ensure the quality education for all.

On the eve of Teachers day, President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teacher's Awards 2026 to 48 exceptional teachers and educators at Vigyan Bhawan at New Delhi. The winners were chosen from primary, secondary and higher education sectors for innovative techniques and the use of digital technology and promoting inclusive learning environments under the National Education Policy (NEP). Each awardee will receive a certificate of Merit and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and a silver Medal.

S.NO.	Teacher (State or UT)	School	Area of Contribution
1	Shri J. Prakash Rao (A&N Islands)	PM SHRI GMSSS Mayabunder, Pokadera	Improving learning outcomes in a remote island school. Work in science or ICT and inclusive education under PM SHRI.
2	Shri Rajesh Kouluri (Andhra Pradesh)	MPPS Chinnamalupeta	Strengthening foundational literacy & numeracy in a rural primary school.
3	Ms. Yaku Tame (Arunachal Pradesh)	Govt. Secondary School, Naharlagun	Promoting education among tribal or North East students. The innovation in multilingual or activity-based teaching.
4	Shri Rajesh Bordoloi (Assam)	Adarsha Tribal HSS, Jorhat	Work with tribal communities. Focus on retention, value education or vocational integration.
5	Ms. Khushboo Kumari (Bihar)	Urdu Primary School, Bidayidh	Supporting minority or Urdu medium learners. Improving enrolment & basic skills in a backward area.
6	Ms. Pushpa Prasad (Bihar)	Middle School Kuchaikote Kanya	Girls’ education in rural Bihar. Work in attendance, learning levels and life-skills.
7	Ms. Radha Rajesh (C.I.S.C.E.)	New Horizon Public School, Indiranagar	Excellence in CBSE curriculum. Innovation in pedagogy, co-curriculars or student mentoring.
8	Ms. Sangeeta Yadav (CBSE)	St. Joseph’s Convent Sr. Sec. School	Holistic development, value-based education and strong academic results in a convent school setup.
9	Shri Ravi Jaiswal (Chandigarh)	Govt. Model High School, Maloya Colony	Urban government school reform. Use of ICT, sports or arts to improve engagement and outcomes.
10	Ms. Sunita Yadav (Chhattisgarh)	Govt. M.S. Khichari	Rural primary education. Work in foundational learning, attendance and community mobilisation.

• World Teachers Day 2026 is observed globally on 5th October 2026. The day observes the anniversary of the adoption of the UNESCO and ILO recommendation in 1966 which concerns the 'status' of teachers.
• Later, the recommendation related to the status of higher education teachers was adopted in 1997 to complement the earlier recommendation of 1966 to cover teachers in higher education.
• The World Teacher's Day has been observed since 1994. For the year 2026, the focus is on the protection and advancement of the teaching profession in a rapidly evolving world. It highlights the need for better support, training and improved working conditions for teachers.
• The theme of the World Teachers Day 2026 aims to strengthen the profession for educators to prepare students and learners for future challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

When is Teacher's day celebrated?

Teacher's Day in India is celebrated every year on 5th September to honour teachers and educators.

When is International Teachers day celebrated?

The International Teacher's day is celebrated on 5th October annually in the world.

Whose birthday is celebrated as teachers day?

The birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is celebrated as Teacher's Day. He was born on 5th September 1888.

Why do we celebrate teachers day?

Teacher's Day is celebrated to recognise the role of teachers in educating, guiding and building efficient citizens.