Teachers Day is being celebrated throughout the country today. The Day is celebrated as a tribute to the valuable contribution made by teachers to the society by imparting knowledge and enlightening and shaping the career of students.

For students, Teachers Day is an occasion to pay reverence and gratitude to teachers for their selfless effort in shaping their career and enriching the education system in the process. India celebrates Teachers Day on September 5 since 1962 as it is the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, a timeless teacher and former President of India.

A number of functions have been organised to mark the occasion. In the national capital, President Mrs Pratibha Devi Singh Patil will present awards to teachers for their distinguished services to the society.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal on Sunday presented the awards to 17 teachers and principals of CBSE schools for their excellent contribution in the field of education.