Teaching must get respect from society: President

President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday greeted teachers on Teachers' Day, saying "teaching as a profession must receive respect and recognition from society".

"I express my gratitude to all teachers, across the length and breadth of our country. I extend my greetings and felicitation and wish them every success in their noble endeavours," Mukherjee said in a statement.

He said Teachers' Day, which falls on Sep 5, was a special occasion "when we honour our teachers who are practitioners of one of the noblest professions and whose dharma is to impart wisdom.

"Teachers mould the destiny of students and impart wisdom and learning to our future generations.

"An inspired teacher is value-oriented, mission-driven, self-motivated and result-oriented. He links the individual goals of students to national goals and enables them achieve their full potential."

Appreciating the role of teachers, the president said: "Teaching as a profession must receive respect and recognition from society.

"Teachers must be made to feel that their contribution and devotion to students is appreciated. We must have an environment that fosters creativity and recognizes merit amongst teachers."