“Teaching is not merely a vocation; it is a vow” — President Droupadi Murmu calls upon teachers to nurture knowledge, character, curiosity and a strong sense of national responsibility among India’s future generations
New Delhi : On the occasion of Teachers’ Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her gratitude to teachers across the country, describing them as the individuals who shape destinies, nurture potential and help build the future of the nation.
In her special article titled “Shaping Minds; Building the Future,” the President said teachers play a role far beyond delivering academic lessons. They instil knowledge, skills, values, confidence and motivation in millions of students and help prepare them to face the challenges of life.
The President conveyed her gratitude to all teachers on behalf of the people of India and emphasised that the contribution of dedicated educators remains central to the country’s progress.
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: Teachers at Heart
President Murmu recalled that Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President, had wished for his birthday to be observed as Teachers’ Day.
Despite being an internationally respected intellectual, author and statesman, Dr Radhakrishnan regarded being a teacher as one of the most important roles of his life.
The President also recalled Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, one of India’s most beloved former Presidents, who, when asked whether he would prefer to be remembered as a scientist or as a President, expressed his wish to be remembered as a teacher.
According to President Murmu, these examples demonstrate the profound respect and importance attached to teaching in India’s national life.
India’s Ancient Tradition of Respecting Teachers
President Murmu highlighted India’s long-standing educational traditions and the ideals expected from teachers.
Ancient Indian texts emphasised that teachers should:
- Love their students like their own children.
- Treat every student equally and fairly.
- Remain patient and composed.
- Avoid losing their temper with students.
- Keep the welfare of students at the forefront.
- Teach students according to their individual abilities.
She referred to the timeless message “Acharyadevo Bhava” from the Shikshavalli of the Taittiriya Upanishad, reflecting India’s deep-rooted tradition of reverence for teachers.
President Murmu Recalls Her Own Teachers
Sharing a personal reflection, President Murmu said she considers herself fortunate to have been guided by many wise and affectionate teachers.
She recalled that some of her teachers would teach students at their homes even after school hours and care for them with great affection.
After completing Class VII, she became the first girl from her village to leave the village to pursue further education.
Later, while studying in Bhubaneswar, she continued to receive encouragement and affection from her teachers.
The President said these experiences reinforced an important truth: a loving and dedicated teacher can awaken limitless potential in a student.
Such encouragement, she noted, gives students the courage to face difficult challenges and the confidence to pursue ambitious goals.
Teachers Do More Than Teach a Curriculum
President Murmu emphasised that teachers are not merely instructors responsible for completing a syllabus.
Through their own conduct and example, teachers teach students how to live meaningful and productive lives.
A teacher, she said, can simultaneously be:
- A mentor
- A well-wisher
- A friend
- A guide
- A fellow traveller in the pursuit of knowledge
The President stressed that students often learn as much from a teacher’s behaviour and character as they do from classroom lessons.
What Makes a Good Teacher?
Drawing upon India’s cultural and intellectual traditions, President Murmu referred to Mahakavi Kalidas and his play Malavikagnimitram.
She noted that a good teacher requires both deep knowledge and the ability to communicate that knowledge effectively.
She also referred to a Sanskrit maxim that conveys the idea that a teacher should wish to be defeated by their own student.
The message, according to the President, reflects an important purpose of education: to enable students eventually to surpass their teachers through independent thought, knowledge and achievement.
Encourage Students to Question, Think and Innovate
President Murmu said one of the most rewarding dimensions of teaching is encouraging students to think independently.
Teachers should inspire students to:
- Ask questions.
- Develop curiosity.
- Think independently.
- Debate and analyse ideas.
- Strengthen their judgement.
- Become confident individuals.
- Find innovative solutions to emerging challenges.
Such an educational environment, she said, can help India produce successful entrepreneurs, brilliant scientists, creative artists and responsible citizens.
“Teaching Is a Vow”
In one of the strongest messages of her article, President Murmu described teaching as much more than a profession.
“Teaching is not merely a vocation; it is a vow.”
She described education as a sacred responsibility that contributes to shaping humanity and illuminating the path for generations to come.
President Murmu Remembers Her Days as a Teacher
President Murmu also recalled her own experience as a teacher at the Sri Aurobindo Integral School in Rairangpur, Odisha.
She taught various subjects but was also actively involved in preparing children for musical performances, sports activities and plays.
She fondly remembered preparations for Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations and the excitement of students during those events.
She also took students on picnics to natural surroundings, using play and exploration to introduce them to animals, birds, trees and plants.
Years after leaving the school, many of her former students continue to invite her to family functions.
She said she still remembers the names and affectionate nicknames of many of her students and acknowledged that teachers also learn from the spontaneity and curiosity of children.
Students Have Much to Teach Their Teachers
The President said children’s curiosity and spontaneity can provide valuable lessons to teachers themselves.
She recalled that, on completing the second year of her term as President, she spent time with students at the school located on the premises around Rashtrapati Bhavan and taught them about environmental conservation.
She said she remains keen to meet students, understand their ideas and listen to their thoughts, adding that what students share continues to stay with her.
A School for Disadvantaged Children
President Murmu also spoke about a residential school she established at her village home around eleven years ago.
The school provides education to students from disadvantaged families as well as children who have lost their parents.
She said she visits the school from time to time to interact with the children.
On June 20 this year, she visited the school on her birthday and was joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who interacted with and motivated the students.
President Murmu described the experience as a lasting source of inspiration for the children.
She said watching those students grow and thrive gives her a deep sense of fulfilment and meaning.
Education Is a Shared Responsibility
The President stressed that imparting education is not the responsibility of teachers alone.
People who become role models for children through their conduct, achievements and contributions to society also serve as important sources of learning and inspiration.
At the same time, she underlined the enormous trust that parents and guardians place in teachers when they send their children to school.
Teachers are expected to treat students with care, protect their safety and support their overall development.
Teachers Must Protect Children’s Confidence and Dignity
President Murmu said it is the dharma of every teacher to uphold the trust placed in them by parents and society.
A teacher’s behaviour, attitude and conduct should not create fear or anxiety among children.
Teachers should ensure that students do not lose confidence, develop feelings of inferiority or become discouraged.
Instead, good teachers should help students become the best versions of themselves.
Success Is Not Complete Without Character
President Murmu emphasised that the ultimate responsibility of teachers is to help students become good human beings.
According to her message, students who achieve prosperity and recognition while remaining ethical in their thoughts and actions represent the true success of their teachers.
Education, therefore, must combine achievement with character, knowledge with values and ambition with responsibility.
Teachers and India’s Vision of a Developed Nation
As India moves towards becoming a developed nation, President Murmu called upon teachers to prepare generations capable of contributing meaningfully to this national journey.
She said teachers should nurture students who:
- Value India’s cultural heritage and traditions.
- Develop a scientific outlook.
- Work for the welfare of humanity.
- Uphold the principle of Antyodaya.
- Protect the environment and all living beings.
- Strive for individual and collective excellence.
- Carry forward the spirit of “Nation First.”
President Murmu’s Appeal to Every Citizen
Concluding her Teachers’ Day message, President Murmu appealed to every citizen to hold committed and sincere teachers in the highest esteem.
She expressed the hope that with the contribution of India’s dedicated teachers, the country would continue to learn, grow and ultimately lead.
Her message places teachers at the heart of India’s journey towards a knowledgeable, compassionate, innovative and developed society.
Teachers’ Day 2026: Key Message
President Droupadi Murmu’s message is ultimately a reminder that education is not simply about examinations, degrees or careers. It is about building character, encouraging curiosity, developing independent minds and creating responsible citizens.
As India celebrates Teachers’ Day, the message underscores the enduring truth that the teachers who shape young minds today are helping shape the India of tomorrow.
— The author is the President of India
