New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS): HRD Minister Smriti Irani Friday said the response given to government's initiative of holding essay writing competition, to mark Teachers' Day, has been "tremendous".

"Tremendous response to Gurutsav 2014 essay writing competition. 24,697 registered (on) the first day including 866 special students," Irani said in a tweet.

The human resource development (HRD) ministry has announced 'Gurustav 2014', an essay writing competition where students can send online and offline write-ups "sharing inspiring stories about their teachers".

The competition will be conducted Sep 1 and the entries are invited in English as well as all 22 Scheduled languages.

This activity can also be conducted offline by the schools and the entries can be sent through e-mail and mobile.

The last date of registration is Aug 30 till 5.30 p.m.

Winners will be felicitated Sep 5, celebrated as Teachers' Day which is also the birth anniversary of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan - the first vice president of India.