9 10

Teachers Day is, interestingly, not observed on the same day all over the world.
It is perhaps one of those few days which has a separate international day whose
importance is superseded by the nationally observed day.

Taking a look at Teachers Day as it is celebrated across the world, in some

countries it is marked by a holiday, in others it is a working day.

International Teachers Day as observed by UNESCO is October 5. Being held

ever since 1994, it commemorates teachers' organisations worldwide. Its aim is to
mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will
continue to be met by teachers.
10 5 1994

China -Teachers Day was founded at the National Central University in 1931. It
was adopted by the central government of the Republic of China, in 1932. In 1939,
the day was set for August 27, Confucius' birthday. The People's Republic of China
government abrogated it in 1951. It was reestablished in 1985, and the day was
changed to September 10. Now more and more people are trying to revert the day
back to Confucius's birthday.

 1931 1932
1939 8 27 1951
1985 9 10

India- Teachers Day is celebrated on September 5 in honour of Dr Sarvepalli

Radhakrishnan, the second president of India, whose birthday falls that day.
9 5

Russia- In Russia, Teachers Day was celebrated on the first Sunday of October,
between 1965 and 1994. Since 1994, the day is observed on the October 5, coinciding
with World Teachers Day.
1965 1994
1994 10 5
The US- In the US, Teachers Day is a non-official holiday. It is observed on the
Tuesday of the first full week of May. The day is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. A
number of activities are organised in schools to honour teachers. The celebrations can
continue for the entire week of May.

Thailand- In Thailand, National Teachers Day is celebrated every year on

January 16. The day was adopted as Teachers Day in the island nation by a resolution
of the government on November 21, 1956. The first Teachers Day was held in 1957.
The day is declared as a holiday in schools.
2 16 1956
11 21 1957

Iran- In Iran, Teachers Day is celebrated on May 2. It commemorates the

assassination of Iranian professor Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari. The renowned
writer, a timeless teacher, was executed on May 2, 1980. On the day, students offer
flowers to teachers to honour the sacred profession.
5 2
1980 5 2

Turkey- In Turkey, Teachers Day is celebrated on November 24. Turkey's first

president Kemal Ataturk dedicated November 24 to honour teachers and their
profession. There is no holiday on this day.

 11 24
11 24
Malaysia- May 16 is dedicated to teachers in Malaysia. The day is celebrated as
Teachers Day in the country with great enthusiasm. The day is called 'Hari Guru' in
Malaysia and is a working day.
5 16