New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) India celebrates Teachers Day on Sep 5, while the International Teachers Day is observed Oct 5.
Teachers Day is, interestingly, not observed on the same day all over the world. It is perhaps one of those few days which has a separate international day whose importance is superseded by the nationally observed day.
IANS takes a look at Teachers Day as it is celebrated across the world. While in some countries it is marked by a holiday, in others it is a working day.
International Teachers Day as observed by Unesco is Oct 5. Being held ever since 1994, it commemorates teachers’ organisations worldwide. Its aim is to mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.
India – Teachers Day is celebrated on Sep 5 in honour of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second president of India, whose birthday falls that day.
China – Teachers Day was founded at the National Central University in 1931. It was adopted by the central government of the Republic of China, in 1932. In 1939, the day was set for Aug 27, Confucius’ birthday. The People’s Republic of China government abrogated it in 1951. It was reestablished in 1985, and the day was changed to Sep 10. Now more and more people are trying to revert the day back to Confucius’s birthday.
Russia – In Russia, Teachers Day was celebrated on the first Sunday of October, between 1965 and 1994. Since 1994, the day is observed on the Oct 5, coinciding with World Teachers Day.
The US – In the US, Teachers Day is a non-official holiday. It is observed on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. The day is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. A number of activities are organised in schools to honour teachers. The celebrations can continue for the entire week of May.
Thailand – In Thailand, National Teachers Day is celebrated every year on Jan 16. The day was adopted as Teachers Day in the island nation by a resolution of the government on Nov 21, 1956. The first Teachers Day was held in 1957. The day is declared as a holiday in schools.
Iran – In Iran, Teachers Day is celebrated on May 2. It commemorates the assassination of Iranian professor Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari. The renowned writer, a timeless teacher, was executed on May 2, 1980. On the day, students offer flowers to teachers to honour the sacred profession.
Turkey – In Turkey, Teachers Day is celebrated on Nov 24. Turkey’s first president Kemal Ataturk dedicated Nov 24 to honour teachers and their profession. There is no holiday on this day.
Malaysia – May 16 is dedicated to teachers in Malaysia. The day is celebrated as Teachers Day in the country with great enthusiasm. The day is called ‘Hari Guru’ in Malaysia and is a working day.
–Ind0-Asian News Service
ao-kbd/rn/ky
