Bhopal, September 5, 2026

Teachers’ Day is observed across India on September 5 to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. A distinguished philosopher, scholar and teacher, Dr Radhakrishnan served as the second President of India.

Madhya Pradesh marked Teachers’ Day on Saturday by honouring outstanding educators and announcing relief for serving teachers required to clear the Teacher Eligibility Test. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said the TET would also be conducted in offline mode, addressing concerns of teachers who may not be comfortable with a computer-based examination.

Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav felicitated 33 teachers at the state-level Teacher Honour Ceremony held at the RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management in Bhopal. The awardees included 18 primary and 15 secondary school teachers selected by the Directorate of Public Instruction.

Two teachers from Madhya Pradesh who had received the National Teachers’ Award were also specially felicitated. This took the total number of teachers recognised at the ceremony to 35.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said the government was committed to taking all necessary decisions in the interest of teachers. The TET is being held following directions of the Supreme Court and has caused concern among teachers appointed before the present eligibility system came into force. The offline option is expected to help long-serving teachers, particularly those posted in rural and remote areas. Many of them have limited experience of appearing in computer-based examinations.

The Chief Minister said the state government was working to improve educational quality and strengthen government schools. He expressed confidence that public schools in Madhya Pradesh could perform better than private institutions. “A country’s map is drawn on paper, but its destiny is shaped by teachers inside classrooms,” Dr Yadav said while acknowledging their role in nation-building.

Dr Yadav also referred to Bharat’s ancient gurukul and guru-shishya traditions. He said the country had one of the world’s oldest traditions of learning and had never treated education merely as a means of acquiring information. Centres of learning such as Takshashila, Nalanda and Vikramshila once attracted students from different parts of the world. They

offered knowledge while also encouraging discipline, debate and the development of character.

Drawing a connection with Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Minister recalled that Bhagwan Krishna had come to Maharishi Sandipani’s ashram in Ujjain for his education. It was here that Krishna acquired knowledge of 64 arts and 14 branches of learning.

He also referred to Maharishi Vishwamitra’s role in guiding Shri Ram and Lakshman. Such examples showed how a teacher recognised the ability of a student and prepared him for larger responsibilities.

President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to Dr Radhakrishnan and greeted teachers. She said educators played an important role in nurturing talent, strengthening character and guiding students to become good human beings. The President urged teachers to regularly update their knowledge, embrace technology and adopt innovative teaching methods. She also asked them to encourage independent thinking and a spirit of enquiry among students.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the teaching community and paid homage to Dr Radhakrishnan. He highlighted the contribution of teachers in shaping young minds and preparing future generations.

At the Bhopal ceremony, Governor Mangubhai Patel said Teachers’ Day was an occasion to express gratitude to educators who were shaping the country’s future through knowledge and values. He said education was no longer confined to books. It must respond to technological change, global requirements and emerging employment opportunities.

School Education and Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh said every teacher was an important link in the education system. He recalled the contribution of teachers in areas that had once been affected by Naxal activities, including parts of Balaghat district. Many teachers went beyond their official responsibilities, he said. Some contributed a part of their salaries to improve their schools. Others personally approached families and encouraged children to attend classes regularly. The role of a teacher has changed considerably with time. Technology has opened new channels of learning, but it cannot replace the human bond between a teacher and a student.

A teacher today is also a mentor, counsellor, motivator and role model. The responsibility is not limited to teaching facts. It includes helping children think, question, communicate and make responsible choices.

Digital platforms can provide information within seconds. A teacher, however, helps students understand that information and use it wisely. This human guidance remains at the heart of education.

As India moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, teachers will have a central role in preparing the next generation. Policies and technology can support education, but it is the teacher who gives students the knowledge, values and confidence to build their future and serve the nation.