Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) on September 5 and interact directly with students as the institution marks its centenary year. The proposed visit coincides with Teachers’ Day and is expected to bring the Prime Minister before a young audience at one of the country’s prominent commerce and economics institutions.

According to reports, Modi is likely to participate in SRCC’s centenary celebrations and engage with students on their aspirations, concerns and expectations. The visit is also being viewed in the context of a wider focus on connecting with India’s Gen Z population, particularly young people navigating questions around education, employment, technology and future opportunities.

SRCC Marks 100 Years in 2026

Founded in 1926 by industrialist and philanthropist Sir Shri Ram, SRCC is completing 100 years in 2026. The college has planned year-long centenary celebrations featuring academic, cultural and other institutional events.

SRCC describes itself as a constituent college of the University of Delhi and says its academic focus includes commerce, economics and management. The institution has also received an A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

The Prime Minister’s proposed appearance would therefore coincide with a significant milestone in the college’s history.

Direct Interaction With Students Planned

A key feature of the proposed programme is expected to be a direct interaction between Modi and Gen Z students.

The session could provide students an opportunity to raise issues and discuss their aspirations with the Prime Minister. Reports indicate that the interaction is likely to focus broadly on young Indians and their expectations for the country's future rather than being limited to the formal centenary programme.

However, details of the interaction, including the final format and subjects to be discussed, have not been officially announced in the reports available so far.

Teachers’ Day Adds Significance

The proposed SRCC visit is scheduled for September 5, which is observed as Teachers’ Day in India. The coincidence gives the event an additional education-focused context, bringing together the Prime Minister, students, faculty members and the institution’s alumni during its centenary year.

Reports also indicate that former principals, faculty members and alumni have been invited for the centenary event, giving the programme a broader institutional character.

Modi’s Earlier SRCC Connection

The proposed visit would not be Modi’s first interaction with SRCC. He visited the college in 2013, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, for an engagement with students.

Earlier this year, members of SRCC’s governing body also met Modi in connection with the college’s centenary celebrations. During that meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted SRCC’s contribution to higher education and its role in producing professionals and leaders across different fields. A commemorative postage stamp marking the institution’s centenary was also released during the occasion, according to reports.

Gen Z Outreach in Focus

The proposed student interaction comes at a time when political parties are paying greater attention to young voters and their concerns. The BJP has been developing a dedicated Gen Z outreach strategy involving direct engagement, campus programmes and youth-oriented initiatives.

The SRCC event is consequently expected to attract attention beyond the college campus, particularly because it would place the Prime Minister in direct conversation with a large group of young, educated Indians. Reports have linked the outreach to broader discussions around education, employment and youth aspirations.

PM Modi SRCC Visit: Key Details

• Expected date: September 5, 2026
• Venue: Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University
• Occasion: SRCC centenary celebrations and Teachers’ Day
• Expected engagement: Direct interaction with students
• Audience: SRCC students, faculty, alumni and other members of the institution
• SRCC founded: 1926
• 2026 milestone: 100 years
• Previous Modi visit: 2013, when he was Gujarat Chief Minister

September 5 holds significance in India and around the world for several historical events, important births and notable deaths. In India, the date is best known as Teachers’ Day, observed every year to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the country’s second President and a renowned philosopher and educationist.

According to the Gregorian calendar, September 5 is the 248th day of the year, while in a leap year it is the 249th. There are 117 days remaining in the year after September 5.

Major historical events on September 5

Several important developments have taken place on this date over the centuries.

In 1666, the Great Fire of London, which had begun days earlier, came to an end after destroying a large part of the city. Thousands of buildings were affected during the disaster.

In 1798, France introduced compulsory military service under a law associated with the country's military mobilisation during the Revolutionary period.

In 1836, Sam Houston was elected president of the Republic of Texas.

In 1839, the First Opium War began after escalating tensions between Britain and Qing China over the opium trade and related disputes.

One of the darkest events associated with September 5 occurred during the 1972 Munich Olympics. Members of the Palestinian group Black September entered the Olympic Village, killed two members of the Israeli delegation and took nine others hostage. The remaining hostages were later killed during a failed rescue operation.

In 1991, Nelson Mandela was elected president of the African National Congress (ANC), marking an important phase in South Africa's political transition.

In 1997, the International Olympic Committee selected Athens as the host city for the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Other notable events

The date has also been associated with several political, sporting and international developments.

In 2002, an assassination attempt was made against Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a visit to Kandahar. He survived the attack.

In 2005, Mandala Airlines Flight 091 crashed shortly after takeoff in Medan, Indonesia, killing people aboard the aircraft as well as people on the ground.

In 2008, a delegation from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers met then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The delegation was led by industrialist Ratan Tata.

In 2014, the World Health Organization reported the continuing impact of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, with Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone among the affected countries.

Notable people born on September 5

September 5 has also marked the birth anniversaries of several notable Indians.

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, born on September 5, 1888, was a philosopher, scholar, educationist and statesman who became India's second President. His birth anniversary is observed as Teachers’ Day in India.

Other notable personalities born on this date include Indian cricketer Pragyan Ojha, born in 1986, and Indian para-athlete Ajit Singh Yadav, born in 1993.

Indian cardiologist K.K. Aggarwal, novelist Vachaspati Pathak and former Indian Navy chief Laxminarayan Ramdas, a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, were also born on September 5.

Famous personalities who died on September 5

The date is also remembered for the deaths of several prominent personalities.

Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997. The Catholic nun and humanitarian, who founded the Missionaries of Charity, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.

Indian music composer Salil Chowdhury, known for his work in Hindi and other Indian-language cinema, died in 1995.

Neerja Bhanot, the Indian flight attendant who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for her courage during the 1986 Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking, also died on September 5, 1986.

Other notable names associated with the date include politician and jurist R.D. Bhandare, educationist and Hindi literary figure Ambika Prasad Divya, satirist Sharad Joshi and industrialist Ratanji Tata.

Why September 5 is Teachers’ Day in India

The most prominent annual observance on September 5 in India is Teachers’ Day. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on September 5, 1888. India has observed Teachers’ Day on this date since 1962.

Radhakrishnan was a distinguished philosopher and educationist before serving as India's first Vice-President and later second President. His contribution to education and scholarship made his birth anniversary an occasion to recognise the role of teachers in shaping students and society.

Schools, colleges and educational institutions across India traditionally mark the occasion through cultural programmes, speeches, student-led activities and appreciation ceremonies. Teachers’ Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 5.

The Ministry of Education is set to organise a series of digital and on-ground initiatives on Teachers’ Day 2026 to highlight the contribution of teachers in shaping India’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

The initiatives are being planned around the birth anniversary of former President and educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, observed as Teachers’ Day in India on September 5. The programme will place emphasis on the role of educators in preparing students for the changing requirements of education, employment, technology and nation-building.

The initiatives are expected to include special webinars and other programmes aimed at bringing teachers, students and education stakeholders into discussions around the future of Indian education.

Teachers’ Role in Viksit Bharat 2047

The central theme of the initiatives is expected to be the role of teachers in India's long-term development vision.

As India works towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal, teachers remain central to building skills, encouraging innovation and preparing young people for future opportunities. The Education Ministry’s Teachers’ Day initiatives are intended to underline this role and recognise educators as an important part of the country's human-capital development.

The programmes will provide a platform to discuss how teaching and learning can evolve alongside technological and social changes.

Special Webinars and Digital Initiatives

Digital engagement is expected to form an important part of this year's Teachers’ Day observances.

Special webinars and online programmes are being planned to facilitate participation beyond physical venues. Such initiatives can allow teachers and students from different parts of the country to participate in discussions without being limited by location.

The programmes are also expected to focus on educational priorities and the contribution of teachers to developing a future-ready generation.

Teachers’ Day Celebrated on September 5

Teachers’ Day is observed in India every year on September 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on September 5, 1888.

Radhakrishnan was a philosopher, academic and former President of India. His contribution to education and public life has made his birth anniversary an important occasion for recognising the work of teachers.

The day is marked by programmes in schools, colleges and educational institutions across the country, alongside national-level initiatives organised by the government.

National Teachers Awards 2026 Also Scheduled

The Education Ministry’s Teachers’ Day programme will coincide with the National Teachers Awards 2026 ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to confer National Teachers Awards on 48 school teachers on September 5. The school teachers were selected through a three-stage process at the district, state and national levels.

The wider 2026 awards programme is set to recognise 82 teachers, including 48 school teachers, 21 higher-education teachers and 13 teachers associated with skill development.

The school-teacher awardees represent 27 states, seven Union Territories and six Central Government organisations.

Focus on Future-Ready Education

The Teachers’ Day initiatives come at a time when India's education system is undergoing changes linked to digital learning, emerging technologies, skills and new approaches to teaching.

The Ministry's emphasis on teachers and Viksit Bharat 2047 places educators within the broader effort to prepare students for the country's future economic and social requirements.

The exact schedule and formats of individual webinars and other initiatives may vary across programmes. Details of specific sessions, speakers and participation arrangements are expected to be announced through official Ministry channels.

Teachers’ Day 2026: Key Points

• Date: September 5, 2026
• Occasion: Teachers’ Day
• Commemorates: Birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
• Organising ministry: Ministry of Education
• Major focus: Teachers’ contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047
• Initiatives: Digital programmes, special webinars and on-ground activities
• National Teachers Awards: 82 teachers across school, higher education and skill-development categories
• School-teacher awards: 48
• National award ceremony: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teachers Awards 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on September 5, Teachers’ Day, with 82 teachers from school education, higher education and skill development set to receive the national honour.

The awards will recognise 48 school teachers, 21 teachers from higher education and 13 teachers associated with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, highlighting contributions across different levels of education and training. The Ministry of Education will also broadcast the programme live.

For the school education category, the Department of School Education and Literacy selected 48 teachers through a three-stage process at the district, state and national levels. The awardees represent 27 states, seven Union Territories and six Central Government organisations. Among the 48 school teachers, 26 are male and 22 are female.

President Murmu to Present Awards on Teachers’ Day

The National Teachers Awards ceremony is organised annually by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, on September 5. The awards are intended to recognise teachers whose commitment and work have contributed to improving the quality of education and making a meaningful difference to students.

Short documentaries showcasing the work and achievements of the 48 school-teacher awardees will also be screened during the ceremony.

Teachers’ Day in India is observed on September 5, the birth anniversary of former President, philosopher and educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The national observance has been associated with his birthday since 1962.

48 School Teachers Selected for National Award

The school-teacher awardees were selected after eligible teachers were invited to submit online self-nominations between June 15 and July 20, 2026.

The selection process involved scrutiny at the district, state and national levels. The Ministry has stated that the final list is not arranged according to any particular order of merit.

The 48 teachers come from a wide range of institutions, including government schools and schools associated with organisations such as the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Sainik Schools.

Madhya Pradesh Gets Two School Teacher Awardees

Madhya Pradesh has two teachers among the 48 school-teacher recipients of the National Teachers Awards 2026.

Dr Archana Shukla has been selected from Government Mahatma Gandhi Sandipani Higher Secondary School, BHEL, Bhopal.

Shailendra Pratap Singh has been selected from Government Middle School Kanjwar in Sidhi district.

Their inclusion gives Madhya Pradesh representation among the teachers being recognised at the national ceremony in New Delhi.

Awardees From Across India

The school-teacher list includes educators from states and Union Territories across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, northeastern states, southern states and several regions of northern and central India.

The list also includes teachers working with institutions under Central Government organisations. Among them are educators associated with Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Sainik Schools.

The broader National Teachers Awards 2026 programme will additionally recognise teachers from higher education and skill development, taking the overall number of awardees to 82.

National Ceremony to Be Telecast Live

The September 5 ceremony will be available to viewers through multiple government broadcasting and digital platforms.

The Ministry of Education has said the programme will be telecast live on Doordarshan and the SWAYAM PRABHA channels. It will also be streamed on the government's webcast platform and through the Ministry of Education's social media channels.

The live programme will allow students, teachers and members of the public to follow the national recognition of educators.

National Teachers Awards 2026: Key Details

• Date: September 5, 2026
• Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
• Presented by: President Droupadi Murmu
• Total awardees: 82
• School teachers: 48
• Higher education teachers: 21
• Skill development teachers: 13
• School-teacher male awardees: 26
• School-teacher female awardees: 22
• School-teacher representation: 27 States, 7 Union Territories and 6 Central Government organisations
• Madhya Pradesh school-teacher awardees: Dr Archana Shukla and Shailendra Pratap Singh
• School-teacher selection: District, State and National-level process
• Live coverage: Doordarshan, SWAYAM PRABHA and government webcast platforms

Why Teachers’ Day Is Celebrated

India celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 5 in memory of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on September 5, 1888. He was a distinguished philosopher, scholar, teacher and statesman and played an important role in India's educational and public life.According to the widely followed account, when his students and admirers wanted to celebrate his birthday, Radhakrishnan suggested that the day instead be observed as Teachers’ Day. Since then, September 5 has been associated with the appreciation of teachers across the country.

Who Was Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

Dr Radhakrishnan was known for his contribution to philosophy and education. He served as a professor at several institutions before entering public life and later became India's Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and President from 1962 to 1967.His birthday became an occasion to recognise the role of teachers and education in society. His academic contributions and emphasis on education continue to be remembered on Teachers’ Day.

Teachers’ Day Celebrations

Schools and colleges often organise special programmes on September 5. Students may prepare cultural performances, speeches, poems, quizzes and other activities dedicated to their teachers.In some schools, senior students take on teaching responsibilities for a day as part of Teachers’ Day celebrations. Students may also present greeting cards, flowers or other tokens of appreciation to their teachers.Educational institutions may also conduct award ceremonies to recognise teachers for their contribution to teaching and student development.

Importance of Teachers in Education

Teachers play a central role in helping students acquire knowledge and develop skills. Their responsibilities extend beyond classroom instruction and can include mentoring students, encouraging critical thinking and helping young people navigate academic and personal challenges.Teachers’ Day provides an opportunity for students and institutions to acknowledge these contributions. It also draws attention to the broader importance of education and the teaching profession.

Teachers’ Day 2026

In 2026, Teachers’ Day will fall on Saturday, September 5. The occasion will be observed across India through programmes and activities organised by schools, colleges and other educational institutions.The day is not a national public holiday. Educational institutions may follow their own schedules and decide how they wish to mark the occasion.

Teachers’ Day Wishes

Students commonly use Teachers’ Day to express gratitude to their educators through messages, cards, speeches and social media posts. The occasion provides a simple opportunity to thank teachers for their guidance, patience and support.