Teacher's Day is a widely-celebrated occasion in India as the student-teacher relationship is considered a very special one here. This year, as every year, it falls on the 5th of September. Not many of us know how Teacher's Day came about though it is celebrated each year. All of us remember giving flowers to our teachers, but let's see how we can truly make our teachers feel special.

Why is Teacher's Day celebrated?

Different countries have different reasons for celebrating Teacher's Day. While some celebrate individuals, others celebrate historic events related to education. In India, Teacher's Day is celebrated on the birthday of the second president of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was a noted philosopher and teacher, and also received the British knighthood.

Radhakrishnan was also a great writer. He was the first of many philosophers who brought Indian philosophy to the forefront. He was a very popular teacher and well-loved by his students. It was his students who requested his permission to celebrate his birthday on the 5th of September. Instead, he chose to let every teacher celebrate the day. And since then, his birthday has been observed as Teacher's Day. It was first celebrated in 1962.

Why Teacher's Day is Important

Not a lot of people realize the importance of a teacher today. As education has become a jumble of subjects, classes and extra curricular activities, the role of a teacher has begun to go unappreciated. But their contribution to the development of a child is just as important as it was ages ago. Teachers are the substitute parents when children are in school. They teach the children not because they get paid but because they wish to teach and instill knowledge.

And teachers hardly get any appreciation from young children who are not quite old enough to realize their value. But Teacher's Day is a great opportunity for students to approach their teacher and tell them how important and significant they are. It goes a long way in raising the spirits of the teacher! And if students learn to love their teacher, it improves their own performance in studies. A good relation with the teacher is important for any child who wishes to excel in his studies.

Gifts for Teacher's Day

Teachers do not say so but they would love it if children gave them lots of attention on Teacher's Day! And this attention does not have to come in the form of expensive gifts. Most children give their teachers roses or other beautiful flowers to show their appreciation. Many students also give hand-made cards. Teachers often treasure such gifts forever.

A cake is also a great idea for Teacher's Day. It could seem like a second birthday! Alternatively, the kids or the kids' parents could chip in and buy the teacher a meaningful gift. Teachers would rather prefer a meaningful gift than a flashy one, so make sure you think hard before you buy your teacher a gift!

And it is not only school children who celebrate Teacher's Day, adults can do so too! Many people return to their schools on Teacher's Day to meet their old teachers and catch up on old times. Teachers may have taught batches and batches of students but they will never forget a child they teach! So on this Teacher's Day, go ahead and meet your teachers and let them know how much they mean to you.

Do you remember celebrating Teacher's Day with your teacher? Do you think Teacher's Day is important? Do you know why it is celebrated? To share your views and experiences, click here.