Teachers Day 2025: Why India Celebrates September 5

Every year on September 5, India celebrates Teachers Day to honour the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan — the country’s second President, a great philosopher, and one of the most respected educationists.

Why September 5?

When Dr. Radhakrishnan became President in 1962, his students requested to celebrate his birthday. He humbly suggested:

“Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if 5th September is observed as Teachers’ Day.”

Since then, his birthday has been dedicated to honouring teachers as nation-builders.

Significance of the Day

Teachers’ Day is a chance for students to express gratitude towards their teachers who:

• Shape young minds
• Instill values
• Guide future generations

It reminds us that education is the foundation of a strong and progressive nation.

How India Celebrates

• In schools and colleges, students take the role of teachers, conducting classes in a playful yet meaningful way.
• Cultural programs, speeches, and functions are organised to celebrate teaching and learning.
• In some places, teachers also take the role of students, symbolising the mutual bond of learning.

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s Legacy

• Born in 1888, he rose from being a brilliant teacher of philosophy to becoming Vice President (1952–62) and later President of India (1962–67).
• He believed: “Teachers should be the best minds in the country.”
• His life and work continue to inspire generations.

Teachers’ Day in the World

• Globally, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5, established by UNESCO in 1994 to honour teachers worldwide.

“Teachers’ Day 2025 is not just about celebrating a date, but about recognising the wisdom, guidance, and dedication of every teacher who shapes our future.”

Q1. Assertion (A): Teachers’ Day in India is celebrated on September 5 every year.
Reason (R): It commemorates the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who suggested that his birthday be observed as Teachers’ Day instead of celebrating it personally.

Codes:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true

Q2. Assertion (A): Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan received the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
Reason (R): He was awarded the honour in recognition of his philosophical writings and contribution to education.

Codes:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true

Q3. Assertion (A): World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5 every year.
Reason (R): It marks the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.

Codes:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true

Q4. Assertion (A): Dr. Radhakrishnan became the first Vice President of India before assuming the office of President.
Reason (R): He was unanimously chosen due to his academic reputation rather than political background.

Codes:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true

Q5. Assertion (A): In many schools and colleges, senior students take the role of teachers on Teachers’ Day.
Reason (R): This practice was initiated by the Government of India through an official circular in 1962.

Codes:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
c) A is true, but R is false
d) A is false, but R is true

Q6. Consider the following statements about Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:

1. He served as India’s first Vice President and later as the second President.
2. He represented India at UNESCO and also as Ambassador to the Soviet Union.
3. He authored “The Hindu View of Life” and “The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore”.
4. He was the first Indian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2, 3 and 4 only
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q7. With reference to Teachers’ Day in India, consider the following statements:

1. It was first celebrated in 1962 after Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President.
2. It is observed only in schools, not in higher education institutions.
3. It coincides with World Teachers’ Day celebrated by UNESCO.
4. It is an occasion for students to express gratitude to teachers.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q8. Match the Following

Match List-I (Educationist/Leader) with List-II (Contribution)

List-I (Personality)
A. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
B. Rabindranath Tagore
C. Savitribai Phule
D. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

List-II (Contribution)

1. Established Visva-Bharati University at Santiniketan
2. First woman teacher of India, pioneer in girls’ education
3. Popularly known as “People’s President” and “Missile Man”
4. Advocated that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
b) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
c) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
d) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

Q9. Match List-I (Institution/Organisation) with List-II (Relevance to Dr. Radhakrishnan)

List-I (Institution/Organisation)
A. UNESCO
B. University of Calcutta
C. Oxford University
D. Nalanda University

List-II (Relevance)

1. Ancient seat of Buddhist learning, revived in modern times
2. He taught and delivered lectures as a professor here
3. He served as India’s representative here
4. He was appointed as Professor of Philosophy here

Codes:
a) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
c) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Q10. Match the Following (Books & Authors)

Match List-I (Book) with List-II (Author)

List-I (Book)
A. “The Hindu View of Life”
B. “Discovery of India”
C. “Geetanjali”
D. “Ignited Minds”

List-II (Author)

1. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
2. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
3. Rabindranath Tagore
4. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Codes:
a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
b) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
c) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
d) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

Answers & Explanations

Q1. Assertion & Reason

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

• Explanation: Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5 to mark Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday. When his students wanted to celebrate his birthday, he suggested that instead, the day should be observed as Teachers’ Day. Hence, both A and R are true, and R explains A correctly.

Q2. Assertion & Reason

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

• Explanation: Dr. Radhakrishnan received the Bharat Ratna in 1954, India’s highest civilian award, before becoming President (he became Vice President in 1952 and President in 1962). He was honoured for his outstanding contribution to philosophy and education.

Q3. Assertion & Reason

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

• Explanation: World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5, established by UNESCO in 1994, to mark the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This document sets global standards for teachers’ rights and responsibilities.

Q4. Assertion & Reason

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

• Explanation: Dr. Radhakrishnan served as the first Vice President (1952–62) before becoming the second President (1962–67). He was respected as a scholar and philosopher, not as a career politician, which explains his unanimous selection.

Q5. Assertion & Reason

Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false

• Explanation: It is true that students often play the role of teachers on Teachers’ Day as a symbolic tribute. However, this was not initiated by any official government circular in 1962. It emerged as a cultural tradition in schools and colleges.

Q6. Multiple Statements

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

• Explanation:
• ✅ True – He was India’s first Vice President and second President.
• ✅ True – He represented India at UNESCO and served as Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1949–52).
• ✅ True – He authored works like “The Hindu View of Life” and “The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore”.
• ❌ False – He did not win the Nobel Prize. Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian Nobel laureate in Literature (1913).

Q7. Multiple Statements

Answer: (a) 1 and 4 only

• Explanation:
• ✅ True – First celebrated in 1962, when he became President.
• ❌ False – Celebrated in schools and higher education institutions.
• ❌ False – India’s Teachers’ Day is September 5, whereas World Teachers’ Day is October 5.
• ✅ True – It is an occasion for students to express gratitude.

Q8. Match the Following (Educationists)

Answer: (b) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

• Explanation:
  A. Dr. Radhakrishnan → 4. Advocated that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”
  B. Rabindranath Tagore → 1. Established Visva-Bharati University
  C. Savitribai Phule → 2. First woman teacher of India, pioneer of girls’ education
  D. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam → 3. “People’s President”, Missile Man of India

Q9. Match the Following (Institutions)

Answer: (a) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1

• Explanation:
  A. UNESCO → 3. He served as India’s representative here
  B. University of Calcutta → 4. He was appointed Professor of Philosophy here
  C. Oxford University → 2. Delivered lectures as professor (Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics)
  D. Nalanda University → 1. Ancient Buddhist learning centre

Q10. Match the Following (Books & Authors)

Answer: (a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

• Explanation:
  A. “The Hindu View of Life” → Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
  B. “Discovery of India” → Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
  C. “Geetanjali” → Rabindranath Tagore (Nobel Prize, 1913)
  D. “Ignited Minds” → Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam