New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS): Teachers play a major role in nation building and in creating a "huge force of academically-empowered and socially-conscious citizens", Speaker Meira Kumar Saturday said while saluting their contribution on the eve of Teacher's Day Sep 5.

"Teachers, a community which renders a noble service in nation-building, create a huge force of academically- empowered and socially-conscious citizens," said the speaker in a message on the eve of Teacher's Day.

India celebrates Teacher's Day Sep 5, in honour of the second president of India, academic-philosopher Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary falls that day.

"We all are aware, they are role models who instill in their students the lofty qualities of perseverance, hard work, and inclination towards universal moral values. All these qualities, coupled with their overall impact on national character, distinguish us from others," said Meira Kumar.

"Besides, their contribution in ridding our people from the evils of illiteracy, ignorance and poverty make them an important stakeholder in inclusive growth for all our people. Let us wholeheartedly salute them on this day," she added.