New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday described teaching as a way of life and said it should not be called a profession or job.

"Teaching is not a profession or job but a way of life - 'jeevan dharm'. A teacher never retires and always continues to endeavour to teach the new generation," Modi told 350 award winning teachers at his residence here.

Speaking on the eve of Teachers Day, Modi said he fulfilled two wishes after becoming the chief minister of Gujarat: inviting his school friends and teachers to his residence.

"I always wished to call all the teachers who have taught me since childhood. For any child, teachers hold great importance... After becoming the chief minister, I called and honoured them," Modi said to applause.

The 350 teachers will be honoured with a national award by President Pranab Mukherjee Friday.

"If a society is to progress, its teachers must always be two steps ahead of time," Modi said.

"They need to understand the changes happening across the world, and prepare the new generation accordingly by arousing curiosity in (the changes)."

During the interaction, the teachers expressed their views on various aspects of teaching, said an official statement.

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