Happy Teachers Day 2026: Best wishes, messages and quotes to share with your favourite teachers

PTC Web Desk:  India is celebrating Teachers' Day on Saturday, September 5, honouring educators across the country and marking the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second President, philosopher and educationist. The day is observed every year to recognise the role teachers play in shaping knowledge, values and confidence among students. 

Teachers' Day 2026: Date, theme, history & significance 

The tradition traces back to 1962, when friends and former students of Radhakrishnan wanted to celebrate his birthday after he became President. He reportedly asked them instead to observe the day in honour of all teachers, and September 5 has been marked as Teachers' Day in India ever since. This year also coincides with what would have been his significant milestone year, and the occasion continues to be marked with school assemblies, cultural programmes, speeches and student-led celebrations nationwide.

As part of the official observance, the National Teachers' Awards 2026 will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 5 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, recognising 48 outstanding school teachers for their contribution to education and innovative teaching practices. The Ministry of Education has not announced a specific official theme for Teachers' Day 2026, though past years have featured themes centred on educator empowerment and sustainable learning. 

As students, colleagues and institutions look to mark the day, here are some wishes, messages and quotes to share with the teachers who've made a difference.

Wishes to share

Happy Teachers' Day! Thank you for believing in me even when I doubted myself.

Wishing you a day as wonderful as the impact you've had on my life. Happy Teachers' Day!

To the person who taught me more than any textbook ever could — Happy Teachers' Day!

Grateful for your patience, wisdom and guidance. Happy Teachers' Day!

Messages for teachers

"You didn't just teach us lessons — you taught us how to think, question, and grow. Thank you for everything."

"Your dedication in the classroom has shaped who I am today. I hope this day brings you as much joy as you've brought to your students."

"Teachers like you make the world a better place, one student at a time. Happy Teachers' Day!"

Quotes to share

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." — Henry Adams

"Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions."

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." — William Arthur Ward