Teachers’ Day is celebrated in India every year on September 5 to honour teachers and recognise their contribution to shaping the lives of students.

The day also marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice-President and second President, who was a renowned philosopher, scholar and teacher.

Teachers’ Day 2026 will be observed on Saturday, September 5.

The occasion allows students and former students to thank the teachers, mentors and gurus who have influenced their academic journeys and personal lives.

Teachers’ Day history

The tradition of celebrating Teachers’ Day in India is closely associated with Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

Born on September 5, 1888, he went on to become one of India’s most respected academics and philosophers.

He taught philosophy at several institutions and also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University.

When Radhakrishnan became President of India in 1962, some of his students and friends reportedly wanted to celebrate his birthday.

Instead, he suggested that the day be observed as Teachers’ Day to honour teachers across the country.

Since then, September 5 has been observed as Teachers’ Day in India. The occasion is distinct from World Teachers’ Day, which is celebrated internationally on October 5.

Teachers’ Day theme 2026

Teachers’ Day celebrations across schools, colleges and educational institutions often focus on the importance of teachers, learning and the changing role of education.

For 2026, institutions may organise programmes, cultural performances, competitions, appreciation ceremonies and other activities to mark the occasion.

Students often use the day to express gratitude through handwritten notes, greeting cards, flowers, gifts and messages. Social media platforms also see a flood of Teachers’ Day posts dedicated to educators.

25+ Teachers’ Day messages

If you are looking for a message to send to your teacher, here are some options:

  1. Happy Teachers’ Day to the teacher who always believed in me and helped me believe in myself.
  2. Thank you for turning every lesson into an opportunity to learn something meaningful. Happy Teachers’ Day!
  3. Your words, guidance and patience have made a lasting difference in my life. Happy Teachers’ Day.
  4. A great teacher inspires, motivates and leaves a mark that lasts forever. Thank you for being one.
  5. Thank you for teaching me not just from books, but also from life. Happy Teachers’ Day!
  6. Wishing a very Happy Teachers’ Day to the person who made learning enjoyable and meaningful.
  7. Your lessons may have ended, but their impact will stay with me forever. Happy Teachers’ Day.
  8. Thank you for being my teacher, mentor and constant source of encouragement.
  9. To the guru who showed me the right path when I needed it most, Happy Teachers’ Day.
  10. Your patience made me better, your guidance made me stronger and your lessons made me wiser.
  11. Happy Teachers’ Day! Thank you for bringing out the best in your students every day.
  12. Behind every confident student is a teacher who once believed in them. Thank you for believing in me.
  13. You taught me that mistakes are not failures but opportunities to learn. Happy Teachers’ Day!
  14. Thank you for making the classroom a place where curiosity could grow.
  15. A teacher’s influence lasts long after the final bell rings. Thank you for everything.
  16. Happy Teachers’ Day to someone whose lessons continue to guide me even today.
  17. Your encouragement gave me the confidence to dream bigger. Thank you, teacher.
  18. Thank you for making knowledge exciting and learning unforgettable. Happy Teachers’ Day!
  19. The best teachers teach with both knowledge and heart. Thank you for doing both.
  20. Happy Teachers’ Day to a wonderful guru whose lessons have become memories I will always cherish.
  21. Thank you for every correction, every word of encouragement and every lesson you shared.
  22. Your classroom gave me knowledge, confidence and memories that I will always treasure.
  23. Happy Teachers’ Day! May you always know how deeply your efforts are appreciated.
  24. To my favourite teacher, thank you for being a guiding light throughout my journey.
  25. Your lessons helped shape the person I am today. I will always be grateful.