I came to know about Guru Divas or teacher's day since I was in standard one. Being a student I was happy to honour our teachers. I am happy that we remember our teachers at least once in every year. I came to know we celebrate it on the birthday of the second president of India Dr Radhakrishnan.
I asked myself why were we late in celebrating for our teachers? We call our teachers as Guru. Our puranas places teachers above gods. What was stopping us celebrating teachers day till 1962?
Later I came to know my question was wrong. Indians did give respect to teachers much before 1962.India the hub of knowledge gave respect to teachers and have dedicated a day for them much before 1962. We do guru Pooja on the eve of the birthday of Vedavyasa on Guru Purnima.
I have the next set of questions, why don't we celebrate Guru Divas on Guru Poornima but look at sep 5? I have great respect for Dr Radhakrishnan. And I have more respect for Veda Vyasa. Is it because we are more accotomed with Gergorian calender than Indian lunar one? Or it is because Vyasa is a figure in Hindu mythology and Dr Radhakrishnan is a public figure in independent India?
On one hand I am delighted that we are celebrating for our Gurus. On the other hand I am concerned that Guru poornima has lost its lusture in 1962. Will teachers' day loose its lusture after some time? Will the respect to teacher move away from our blood?
Tuesday 6 September 2011
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