President extends greetings to teachers on Teachers` Day

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday greeted teachers on the occasion of Teachers' Day, saying they must be friends, philosophers and guiding lights to their students.

In his message, Mukherjee said teachers 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," he said.

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

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

He also paid floral tributes to former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan.