Every year on 5th September, India celebrates Teachers’ Day, an occasion dedicated to expressing gratitude to educators who shape generations. Officially, this date coincides with the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975)—scholar, philosopher, and the second President of India. The popular story says that when students wanted to celebrate his birthday, he suggested that the day be observed as Teachers’ Day instead. It is a tale of humility that has been repeated for decades in schools.

But is that the whole truth?

The Legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan—And the Questions Around Him
Dr. Radhakrishnan was undeniably a brilliant scholar of Indian philosophy, known worldwide for his writings and academic contributions. He rose from a humble background in Tamil Nadu to become a professor at Calcutta University, Vice Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University, Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Vice President, and eventually the President of India.

Yet, his rise to India’s highest offices was not without controversy. Critics have long argued that his elevation was more a political decision than a natural outcome of his educational contributions. Unlike Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, or other freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence, Radhakrishnan was not at the forefront of the freedom struggle. Still, his birthday became immortalized as Teachers’ Day, while many true heroes of India remain unsung.

Anuj Dhar’s Revelations: The Netaji Connection
Researcher and author Anuj Dhar, who has spent decades investigating the mysterious disappearance of Subhas Chandra Bose, has mentioned Dr. Radhakrishnan in his findings. According to Dhar, when Radhakrishnan served as Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1949–1952), he may have received information suggesting that Bose was alive in Soviet custody. Dhar claims that despite this knowledge, Radhakrishnan did not act on it, nor did the Indian government pursue it seriously.

This raises uncomfortable questions: Why was such explosive information ignored? Was it due to political compulsions? Or was it deliberate silence to maintain the Nehru-led government’s narrative about Bose’s death in 1945?

The fact that Radhakrishnan later rose swiftly to the posts of Vice President and then President adds to the intrigue. Critics argue that his loyalty to the ruling establishment may have been rewarded with these high offices.

Who Decided on Teachers’ Day?
The popular story says that Dr. Radhakrishnan himself suggested Teachers’ Day when students wanted to celebrate his birthday. But if we step back, we must ask:

Who really institutionalized the practice at the national level?

Was it genuinely Radhakrishnan’s wish, or was it politically convenient for the establishment to associate a national day with him?

Some critics compare this to Children’s Day being celebrated on Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday. Nehru’s birthday was projected as a day to celebrate children, branding him as “Chacha Nehru,” the affectionate champion of the young. Similarly, choosing Radhakrishnan’s birthday as Teachers’ Day ensured that future generations would associate him with the noble image of an ideal teacher, regardless of how limited his contribution was to the independence movement or to grassroots education.

In both cases, the symbolism created powerful national icons—Nehru as the eternal friend of children, Radhakrishnan as the teacher of the nation—while overshadowing countless real heroes and educators whose sacrifices shaped India but were never officially celebrated.

What This Means for Us Today
When we celebrate Teachers’ Day today, there are two layers to reflect upon:

• The Positive Spirit of the Day: Teachers’ Day has become a meaningful way to honor and thank educators. Students across the country express their gratitude through cultural events, role reversals, and heartfelt tributes. The day does succeed in drawing attention to the noble profession of teaching.
• The Political Undercurrent: The choice of dates—5th September for Teachers’ Day and 14th November for Children’s Day—was not random. It shaped national memory by embedding Nehru and Radhakrishnan as larger-than-life figures. As a result, towering figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, B.R. Ambedkar, and others, whose contributions to India’s freedom and education were immense, do not have such dedicated national days in their honor.

This selective commemoration reminds us that history is not just what happened—it is also what was highlighted and celebrated.

Respecting Teachers and Remembering the Truth
One sad truth of our times is that the deep bond of respect between teacher and student is slowly fading. Earlier, a teacher’s word was valued, and their presence commanded discipline. Today, many children see teachers as just another part of the system, not as guides or mentors. In classrooms, disrespect, casual behavior, and lack of seriousness have become common. Some students treat teachers as service providers rather than torchbearers of knowledge. This shift is worrying—not because teachers want blind obedience, but because without respect, the relationship loses its essence. A teacher cannot truly inspire if the student does not value them, and a student cannot truly grow if they see their teacher as unimportant. For education to remain meaningful, society must remind the young that respecting teachers is not about fear—it is about recognizing the people who dedicate their lives to shaping our future.

Yes, we should honor teachers every year on 5th September. But we should also remember that the decision to tie this day to Radhakrishnan’s birthday was not entirely innocent or neutral. It was a political choice that ensured certain figures would be remembered while others would be forgotten.

So, as we wish our teachers a Happy Teachers’ Day 2025, let us also take a moment to honor the countless unsung heroes—freedom fighters, reformers, and educators—who gave far more to India than they ever received in return.