Dear Esteemed Members,
As Teachers’ Day approaches, I felt it would be appropriate to pay tribute to the many members of our Association who have devoted their lives to teaching or have been associated with the noble profession of education in one way or another. Their contribution to society extends far beyond the classroom and this is an occasion to acknowledge it with gratitude and respect.
In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated every year on 5th September, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan—an eminent philosopher, distinguished scholar and India’s first Vice-President and second President. Born on 5th September 1888, Dr Radhakrishnan began his career as a teacher and always regarded teaching as the
highest calling. When his students wished to celebrate his birthday, he humbly suggested that the day be observed as Teachers’ Day instead.
Since 1962, the nation has honoured his vision by celebrating this day as a tribute to all teachers. Teachers’ Day reminds us of the invaluable role teachers play in shaping not only careers but also character. Long after we have forgotten the textbooks, we remember the lessons, values, confidence, discipline and inspiration our teachers instilled in us. They help us discover our strengths, overcome our weaknesses and believe in ourselves.
There is an old saying: “Parents are our first teachers, and teachers are our second parents.” It is true. While parents give us life, teachers teach us how to live it meaningfully. They nurture curiosity, encourage independent thinking and guide us through the many challenges we encounter. The knowledge they impart and the values they instil remain with us throughout our lives, becoming our inner voice whenever we face difficult choices.
Rabindranath Tagore beautifully captured the spirit of teaching when he said, “A teacher can never truly teach unless he is still learning himself. A lamp can never light another lamp unless it continues to burn.” These timeless words remind us that teaching and learning are inseparable. A great teacher remains a lifelong student, constantly enriching their knowledge to inspire others.
Teaching is far more than the transfer of information. It is about igniting curiosity, encouraging creativity, building confidence and nurturing young minds. Every classroom is filled with dreams waiting to be discovered, and every teacher has the privilege of helping those dreams take shape. Teaching offers the satisfaction of seeing students
grow into responsible citizens, professionals and leaders who later contribute to society.
The American historian Henry Adams aptly observed, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” A teacher’s impact often extends across generations. A word of encouragement, an act of kindness or a lesson taught with sincerity may influence a student’s life in ways that can never be measured. A truly effective teacher possesses qualities that cannot be learned from books alone—patience, empathy, integrity, humility and the ability to inspire by personal example. Such qualities are cultivated through dedication, perseverance and an unwavering passion for
serving others. In many ways, teachers are nation-builders, for the future of every country is shaped in its classrooms.
On this Teachers’ Day, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to all teachers—past and present—who have enriched our lives with knowledge, wisdom and values. I offer my special respects to our own members who spent their professional lives educating and mentoring generations of young people. Their legacy lives on in the countless lives they have touched.
To all our teacher members, I extend my warmest greetings and sincere appreciation. May you continue to inspire, guide and remain lifelong learners yourselves. Your contribution to society is immeasurable and your influence will continue to illuminate lives for years to come.
Happy Teachers’ Day!
Yours as ever,
Brig JS Jagdev