In India, September 5 is observed as Teacher's Day, a special occasion to honor educators. This year, Tzu Chi volunteers organized a heartwarming appreciation event at Suryapura Middle School, where students conveyed their sincere thanks to their teachers through sign language performances and traditional gestures of respect. The event not only upheld the tradition of honoring teachers but also showcased the positive impact of character education, filling the campus with an atmosphere of gratitude and love.
A Thoughtful Celebration
After two weeks of preparation, overseas volunteers hosted the Teacher's Day appreciation event at Suryapura Middle School. The gathering included Bajnath Kumar, the school principal, two teachers, eighty-two students, six overseas volunteers, and two local volunteers. The classroom decorations and the paper flowers presented to the teachers were all handmade by the students during class, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
LEFT: On September 5, India's Teacher's Day, Tzu Chi volunteers held a warm appreciation event at Suryapura Middle School. RIGHT: On September 2, teacher Sor Tho Ng (黃嫊桃) led the ceremony team in their first rehearsal of the movements. | Photos: Cheng-Hsuan Wang
During the event, overseas volunteer Kee Hong Sio (蘇祈逢) addressed the attendees, noting that Suryapura Middle School is well-regarded within the Tzu Chi Foundation for its students' good manners and its teachers' exemplary conduct. He emphasized that teachers not only impart knowledge but also inspire students to become better individuals. "Today's Teacher's Day event is to remind everyone that no matter what path you choose in the future, you must always respect your teachers, because they provide knowledge and inspiration. Please remember how important it is to respect your teachers and strive to be good students, making Suryapura the best."
LEFT: Volunteer Kee Hong Sio encouraged students to respect their teachers, study hard, and make Suryapura the best. RIGHT: Students performed sign language, offered tea, pens, and flowers, making the teachers feel honored. | Photos: Cheng-Hsuan Wang
Students gave a sign language performance of Love in the World, and offered tea, pens, and flowers to their teachers, making them feel deeply honored. Aprajita Kumari, a seventhgrade student who participated in the sign language performance expressed her happiness in being able to show gratitude to her teachers through these activities. Priya Kumari, also in seventh grade, shared that while learning the sign language was challenging, their dedication allowed them to perform well.
Honoring Educational Legacies
Principal Bajnath Kumar explained the origins of India's Teacher's Day, which falls on September 5 each year to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975). Dr. Radhakrishnan was a distinguished philosopher and educator who also served as India's second president from 1962 to 1967. A tribute altar was set up at the school, allowing everyone to express their gratitude and remember his contributions. The principal urged everyone to appreciate the efforts of their teachers.
LEFT: The paper flowers were handmade by students in class. Teacher Sunita (second left) noted that Tzu Chi Foundation has always emphasized character education, and it is very gratifying that students are now more polite than before. RIGHT: Aprajita Kumari (left), who performed the sign language, expressed her joy in showing gratitude to teachers through these activities, while Priya Kumari (right) shared that although learning sign language was challenging, with dedication, they could do it well. | Photos: Cheng-Hsuan Wang
Teacher Sunita from Suryapura Middle School observed that the Tzu Chi Foundation has consistently prioritized character education, specifically teaching children the importance of politeness. She noted that learning good manners not only demonstrates respect but also fosters more harmonious interactions.
Students are now more polite than before, which is a very gratifying development—Teacher Sunita from Suryapura Middle School
LEFT: Bajnath Kumar, Principal of Suryapura Middle School, explained the origin of India's Teacher's Day. RIGHT: As students left, teacher Yi-Ling Shih (first left) distributed Jing Si Aphorism bookmarks as a token of connection. | Photos: Cheng-Hsuan Wang
The event concluded with students individually approaching their teachers to express their gratitude, creating a touching and memorable scene. A group photo captured the joyful occasion. As students departed, volunteer Paik Lan See (施依伶) distributed Jing Si Aphorism bookmarks, which the students happily received. Later, everyone paid their respects outside the principal's office to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, ensuring that the tradition of honoring teachers transcends borders and continues for generations.
Written by Cheng-Hsuan Wang (王承瑄)
Source: 印度教師節 慈濟帶動學生敬師表心意
