By IANS
New Delhi : It’s a field day for students who for once can don the role and carry out the responsibilities of a teacher in a mock classroom scene. As for the teachers, for whom Teachers’ Day is celebrated Sep 5, it’s the perfect occasion to unwind and get pampered by their students.
Teachers’ Day is celebrated across the country every year on the birth anniversary of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former president of India and a staunch believer in education.
Radhakrishnan, a teacher and a scholar, had asked his admirers to celebrate his birthday by paying tribute to all the teachers for their hard work and dedication. Thus started the ritual of celebrating Teachers’ Day on Sep 5, which falls on Wednesday this year.
“We look forward to Teachers’ Day, not because of anything else, but to enjoy the cultural fiesta that our students come up with every time. There is a cultural festival every year where they sing, dance and perform skits. It’s great to get pampered by your students!” said Aparna Das, a schoolteacher.
While the juniors in school get busy preparing colourful dance and song sequences, the seniors set the scene of a mock classroom and take over the reins of the teachers.
“It’s light hearted entertainment when our teacher sits in the classroom while we, dressed in formal attire, take over the class, teach, scribble on the blackboard and take attendance.
“Inevitably, we end up mimicking the teacher in his or her presence and then a roar of laughter follows!” said Akshita Jain, a Class 10 student.
Teachers are also showered with gifts and flowers by their pupils on this day.
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will be giving away national awards on Teachers’ Day this year to accord public recognition to meritorious teachers of primary and secondary schools.
This year, the awards will be given to 314 teachers, which includes 88 women, 11 Sanskrit teachers, three Arabic and Persian teachers, and 12 teachers for promoting education of children with disabilities.
The honour includes a silver medal, a certificate and a cash award of Rs.25,000.
With no formal classes being conducted on that day and celebrations on in full swing in all schools, Teachers’ day is a festive occasion both for teachers as well as students.