SOUTH VANCOUVER – The Sunset Indo-Canadian Seniors’ Society, Vancouver celebrated Teachers’ Day on September 5.  Its President, Vice President, Secretary and other speakers shed light on the role of teachers in our lives. Vice President Mukhtiar Singh Boparai expressed concern about teachers’ condition in Punjab where the government teachers’ monthly salaries are delayed for months. President Dr. Gurbax Singh Sidhu reflected on the life of Savatri Bai Phule, who just two days before her 17th birthday opened the first school for girls on January 1, 1848, in Maharashtra.   Though it might seem like a normal development today, this act was met with strong opposition.  She faced extreme harassment, enduring attacks with stones and cow dung. 

A teacher is every child’s first acquaintance when he starts school. They are the ones who hold their hands and guide their steps to take the first giant leap into the learning journey. A good teacher can have a lasting impression on a child and can make school the most wonderful place for the child. 

Teachers’ Day in India is celebrated every year on the 5th of September to mark the birthday of President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was the first Vice President of India. He was born on 5th September 1888. He was also a great scholar, an ideal teacher, and a Bharat Ratna recipient. 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed 5 October to be World Teachers’ Day in 1994.

On October 5, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and its member organizations across the country celebrate World Teachers’ Day through a public awareness campaign that highlights the contributions of the teaching profession. 

In the United States, it is celebrated in the first week of May as Teachers Appreciation Week. 

.All countries in the world  commemorate World Teachers’ Day and each holds its own celebrations accordingly.

Speaking on the occasion, Zile Singh, Secretary Public Relations of the Society made clear the difference between a teacher and a guru. People generally interchange these two personalities.  “A teacher explains the world and its nature to you. He gives you knowledge to work hard and compete in the world for a better life whereas a guru explains to you a ‘world beyond’ and the usefulness of surrender and prayer.”  He said,“Respect your teachers and don’t fall prey to the pseudo gurus who exploit and take away your knowledge in the name of God.”