How We Celebrate Teacher’s Day at Siddhartha School

How We Celebrate Teacher’s Day at Siddhartha School

by Rinchen Dolma, Tsering Angchuk, and Tsewang Chuskit

In India, Teacher’s Day is celebrated on the 5th of September every year in the memory Dr. S. Radhakrishna, the first vice president and second president of the country.

A humble philosophy teacher, Dr. Radhakrishna was universally loved by his students. In anticipation of his first birthday as President of India, his students wanted to throw a big party for him. But he would have nothing of it, and instead, the president told them to celebrate his birthday by honoring all teachers.

The spirit of the holiday is to recognize all the dedication the teachers give to fostering a love of learning in their students. Every September 5th we celebrate this day at Siddhartha School.

About a couple of weeks before the occasion, the children of the 7th and 9th grade plan the big day. They organize the celebration which includes dances, songs performed by all the students, and also some games for teachers. Then, a few days before the party, the students request a specific, fancy costume for each teacher to wear. This is a source of great amusement and fun for all.

To kick off the festivities, all the school is assembled, and the Principal is invited on the stage to cut the “Teacher’s Day Cake”. But this time Khen Rinpoche was the chief guest, so Principal Norla and Khen Rinpoche cut the first piece together.

The students of the 7th and 9th grade also arrange a special lunch for the teachers and students to enjoy together. At the end of the day, all the children give greeting cards to their favorite teachers. Some are beautiful, handmade ones, and some are bought from the card shop. Teacher’s Day is a favorite day at Siddhartha School. It’s fun and important to honor and remember the good people who commit themselves to educating our young people and making a stronger, learned society.