A grateful nation honours its teachers for their vital role in shaping society. Teachers’ Day, celebrated on September 5, is associated with Dr S Radhakrishnan, philosopher, statesman, and India’s first Vice President and second President.
When first introduced, the celebration drew dissent, with some arguing teaching was a paid service requiring no recognition. Yet today, special days are observed for parents, grandparents, nurses, and others.
At the National and State levels, meritorious teachers are honoured based on set criteria, now extended to college faculty as well. Awards are conferred by the President or Chief Minister, with travel and stay subsidised and, in some cases, a year’s service extension granted. However, political influence often mars the process, and transparency is lacking. RTI requests are denied, and achievements of awardees remain unpublished, limiting admiration within the teaching community.
Beyond official awards, NGOs, panchayats, social groups, and occasionally banks also honour teachers. Catholic schools mark the day with a Holy Mass, floral tributes, cultural programmes, and student-led events, with PTA bodies increasingly planning meaningful celebrations.
The P C Trust, Chinchinim, recognises teachers annually with cash awards and citations across categories, including Headmaster, Primary, Secondary, Pre-Primary, Mathematics, and Physical Education. Four teachers from DSE schools are honoured with the Fr Antimo Gomes Award. Since 2011, Bank of India and Union Bank of India have consistently sponsored such recognition.
Teachers seldom seek material rewards. What they value most is respect and remembrance for conscientiously shaping lives. Many have departed unsung; the least we can do is honour them in memory and gratitude for making us who we are.
