New Delhi, Sep 5 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday greeted the teachers throughout the country on the occasion of Teachers' Day.

In his message, the president said: "Teachers must be friends, philosophers and guiding lights to their students. They are like candles, who burn brightly to enlighten others. We, in India, are inheritors of a sacred tradition in which our gurus, saints and seers have selflessly nurtured our minds and shaped our intellect."

"Our society at large and in particular, students should show utmost respect and devotion to teachers who in turn must dedicate themselves to the service of their students and help our youth imbibe knowledge as well as essential civilizational values," he added.

"On this occasion, I extend my warm greetings to the entire teaching community of our country and thank them for their immense contribution to our nation," the president said.

Modi in a tweet said: "Teachers' Day greetings! We salute all teachers, who tirelessly light the lamp of knowledge."

"Tributes to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Teacher, scholar and statesman, he remains an inspiration for the entire nation."