Written by Intern Queeny George M.H & Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral
Every year on September 5, India celebrates Teacher’s Day — a heartfelt tribute to educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the future. The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President, a scholar, philosopher, and teacher. When asked if his birthday could be celebrated, he humbly requested that the day be observed as Teacher’s Day instead — emphasizing the value of education and those who impart it.
Throughout history, the role of a teacher has always transcended the classroom. In ancient times, the ‘Guru’ was not merely an instructor but a guide, a mentor, and often a spiritual force who sought out students, trained them rigorously, and passed down generations of knowledge. These Gurus didn’t just teach—they transformed.
Great leaders of history often stood behind even greater teachers. Emperors like King Ashoka the Great were shaped by wise mentors like Chanakya. King Alexander the Great had the philosopher Aristotle as his tutor, while Plato once learned under the guidance of Socrates. Even in modern times, Anne Sullivan’s mentorship of Helen Keller reminds us that teaching is more than instruction—it is empowerment.
This lineage of impactful teaching continues today. Classrooms across India and the world were filled with teachers who cared deeply. Teachers who weren’t just present for the syllabus, but for the students. Many of them acted as a team, building students’ character, guiding them toward the right path, and shaping not just academic outcomes but lives.
These teachers were strict when needed, but also the first to smile, laugh, and celebrate with their students. They taught lessons beyond the textbook—showing up during our struggles, asking the questions others missed, and believing in us long before we believed in ourselves.
Their impact doesn’t end at the classroom door. It lingers in our decision-making, our confidence, and our resilience. Whether they stayed back after hours to explain a difficult concept or gave us advice that stayed with us for decades, these educators have left a permanent mark on our journey.
This Teacher’s Day, we celebrate not just the knowledge they pass on, but the compassion, encouragement, and belief they give us in every small interaction.
Because every student deserves a teacher like that.
So here’s to them — the chalk-holding, soul-shaping, heart-hugging heroes of our lives.
Happy Teacher’s Day — and to all the amazing teachers out there… hip hip hooray!
