Current Context: India observed Teachers’ Day on 5 September 2026 to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President and a noted philosopher, scholar and teacher. The day recognises the contribution of teachers to education, character-building and nation-building. On the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu was scheduled to confer the National Awards to Teachers 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Key Points
- Birth Anniversary: The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on 5 September 1888.
- Dr Radhakrishnan: He was a renowned philosopher, educationist and scholar and served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967.
- Beginning of Observance: India began observing Radhakrishnan’s birthday as Teachers’ Day in 1962, when he became President of India.
- Purpose: The day honours teachers for their contribution to education, mentorship, character development and nation-building.
- President’s Message: On the eve of Teachers’ Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu urged teachers to continually update their knowledge, embrace technology, adopt innovative teaching methods and encourage independent thinking among students.
- National Teachers Awards 2026: President Murmu was scheduled to honour 48 school teachers at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 5 September 2026.
- Higher Education Awards: An additional 21 teachers/faculty members from Higher Education Institutions and polytechnics were selected for the National Awards to Teachers 2026.
- Award Distribution: Of these 21 higher-education awardees, 12 were from Central HEIs, 5 from State universities/colleges and 4 from polytechnics.
- Award Objective: The National Teachers Awards recognise educators who have made exceptional contributions to teaching-learning, innovation, student development and improvement in the quality of education.
- Theme: I could not verify a single official nationwide theme for Teachers’ Day 2026 from the Ministry of Education or another authoritative government source, so students should avoid memorising unofficial themes.
- World Teachers’ Day: It is different from India’s Teachers’ Day. World Teachers’ Day is observed on 5 October.
Question:
Q1. Teachers’ Day in India is celebrated on 5 September to mark the birth anniversary of which former President?a) Dr Rajendra Prasad
b) Dr Zakir Husain
c) Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
d) Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Answer: c) India observes Teachers’ Day on 5 September, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a distinguished philosopher, educationist and the second President of India. The day recognises the important role of teachers in educating students and contributing to nation-building.
