Teachers Day is being observed across the country today. 5th September is celebrated as Teachers Day as a mark of respect to teachers and their contributions to the society. The day commemorates birth anniversary of former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a philosopher and a teacher par excellence, and his contribution towards Indian education system.<br/><br/>President Pranab Mukherjee will confer National Awards to teachers in New Delhi for their distinguished services. Mr Mukherjee yesterday taught students at Rajendra Prasad Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in the President's Estate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students and national award winning teachers on the eve of teachers day yesterday. Mr Modi also released two commemorative coins of 125 rupees and 10 rupees on the occasion.<br/><br/>In Assam, in a first of this kind of gesture, college students will pay their gurudakshina by wearing a small flag with the words "I respect all teachers" on the occasion of teachers' day today. AIR correspondent reports that the flags printed by Assam government, priced at Rs 10 each, are small cards with the words "I respect all teachers". Each card also has two bouquets of flowers printed on it along with the picture of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The amount collected against each card will go to the National Fund for Teachers' Welfare. Official sources said that similar practice is followed in the schools in Assam, which has been extended to the colleges this year.