“It is better to spend one day with a great teacher than a thousand days of diligent study”.

When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of India, some of his students and friends proposed to celebrate his birthday i.e. September 5. He replied, “instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be proud privilege if 5 September is observed as Teachers’ day”. It only showed the kind of respect Dr. Radhakrishnan had for his teachers, whom he owed his success and existence. Since then, teacher’s day is celebrated all over India in all schools, colleges and educational institutions. Deepalaya celebrated the day at almost all locations with lot of enthusiasm.

Ramditti J R  Narang Deepalaya Learning Centre: The day was very special for students and teachers at Panchsheel enclave as they awaited the arrival of their special guest Mrs. Asha Narang, one of the members of the Narang family who allowed us to set up a learning center in their building in the fond memory of their parents. Dressed in blue and green, little Raunak, a class II student brought a beautiful bouquet to welcome Mrs. Narang. Out of her humbleness, she said, “I am extremely sorry, I got late and kept you waiting. I am very happy to see you all here. The little kids are looking extremely beautiful. Their lovely faces and smile made my day.” She was deeply impressed by the community library.

Thereafter, Mr. P T Varghese welcomed the guests and advised the teachers to follow the KYC method adopted by banks to build a better and a fulfilling relationship with their students. A teacher should follow “Know Your Child” methodology to teach children. After the welcome speech, children put up scintillating dance performances, sang songs, presented a skit, in which children start dancing as soon as the teacher leaves the class. The day ended with the students honouring their teachers with beautiful cards.

Deepalaya Learning Center, Sanjay Colony: The students at Sanjay Colony Learning Centre put up a wonderful program for the teachers. They spoke about Dr.  Radhakrishnan, significance of the Teachers’ day and expressed their love and gratitude to their teachers through poems, small write ups and one-line sentences. Even students of class I recited poems for their teachers. The program concluded with teachers singing a song for the students “jeena isika nam hai”. There was a feeling of happiness and contentment on the faces of teachers for shaping many lives.

Deepalaya Learning Centre, Titron: The day was celebrated by students with great zeal and enthusiasm. Many students stepped into the shoes of their teachers. Kirti, Afifa, Mahak, Annu, Drishti, Saniya, Arpit and Ritesh became teachers. They conducted the classes, taught children and presented a cultural program for everyone later on. It was a day of celebrations, fun and also learning.

Deepalaya Childrens’ Home: It is very rare that teachers’ Day and Janmastami fall on the same day. During the last few days, DCH organized a Badminton league for the children. The semi-finals and the final of the league were played on 4th September and it was decided to hold the price distribution ceremony on 5th September 2015 – the auspicious day. A few other competitions were also held like mahendi, musical chair, dodge ball and singing.

On 5th September, children decorated the hall and organized a cultural programme to honour the staff, who have played a considerable role in shaping their lives. The children threw some light on the importance of Janmashtami festival and why it is celebrated. Thereafter, lot of activities were conducted seeking involvement of the staff like towel folding activity & mimicry. Children showed their love and respect towards their mentors through, skits, dances and songs. To add humour to the day, Sumant read news from Deepalaya Childrens’ home in a very funny tone, making everyone laugh.

Deepalaya Special Unit:  A few members of the Inner wheel club, Panchsheel Park visited special unit at Sanjay Colony to honour and felicitate the staff. Ms. Achla Dayal, the president of the club has been associated with the unit for the last few years and also taught yoga to children enrolled at the special unit. Since then, she has been donating for the cause. The visitors gave fruits and small gift hampers to the children to mark the day.