NEW DELHI, Sept 5: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday called on teachers to contribute towards building an education system that ensures equal opportunities, quality learning and a better future for every student.
Gandhi extended his greetings to teachers on National Teachers’ Day and highlighted their contribution to shaping the country’s future generations.
In a social media post, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said teachers play a vital role in guiding students through their knowledge, dedication and service.
He said India’s education system continues to face several important challenges and stressed the need for collective efforts to make education more accessible and equitable.
Gandhi also paid tribute to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second president, whose birth anniversary is observed as National Teachers’ Day.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also extended his greetings and paid tribute to teachers and the former president.
Kharge said teachers play a fundamental role in shaping minds, developing values and laying the groundwork for the nation’s future. He described Radhakrishnan as an eminent philosopher, teacher and statesman whose ideas continue to inspire generations.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also remembered Radhakrishnan, describing him as a distinguished philosopher, writer, speaker and diplomat who remained deeply committed to education and institution building.
Ramesh also recalled Radhakrishnan’s association with several prominent leaders of the Congress era and shared three photographs of the former president with political figures.
One photograph showed Radhakrishnan with Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and K. Kamaraj in June 1964. Another, from November that year, featured him alongside Vice President Dr Zakir Hussain and Shastri.
The third photograph, dating to 1954, showed Radhakrishnan with President Dr Rajendra Prasad and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Ramesh noted Radhakrishnan’s long association with India’s parliamentary institutions and recalled his close personal relationship with Nehru.
National Teachers’ Day is observed every year on September 5 to mark the birth anniversary of Radhakrishnan, who was a renowned philosopher, academic and statesman.
The day recognises the contribution of teachers to education and society while highlighting their role in nurturing students and preparing future generations.