New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS): President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday greeted teachers across the country on the eve of Teachers' Day.

In a message, the President said, "Teachers' Day is observed on the birthday of great educationist, philosopher and former President of India, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the teachers' on the occasion of Teachers' Day.

"Teachers' Day is an occasion when we honour the dedicated services of all the teachers who play a leading role in the intellectual and moral development of our children. In Indian tradition, teachers are placed at the same pedestal as God.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, the pedagogy adopted by the teachers also underwent a major change. During lockdown, our teachers accepted every challenge associated with the introduction of an online medium of education. They took effective steps to enable uninterrupted education of the students.

"On this occasion, let us all express our gratitude to the entire teaching community for its invaluable contribution towards building a strong and prosperous nation."

In India, Teachers' Day is celebrated annually on September 5 to mark the birthday of the country's former President, scholar, philosopher and Bharat Ratna awardee, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888.