President Pranab Mukherjee Friday greeted teachers on the occasion of Teachers' Day and exhorted them to "help our youth imbibe knowledge as well as essential civilizational values".
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.
The president extended "warm greetings to the entire teaching community of our country and thank them for their immense contribution to our nation".
