Teacher's Day 2026: Odisha Schools to Honour Retired Teachers on September 5

Teacher’s Day 2026: The Odisha government has directed schools across the state to observe Teacher’s Day on September 5 by felicitating retired teachers from nearby areas. The initiative aims to recognise the contribution and dedicated service of educators who have spent years shaping students and strengthening the education system. 

The directive has been issued by the School and Mass Education Department to District Education Officers-cum-District Project Coordinators. Schools have been asked to organise special felicitation programmes and invite retired teachers from their respective localities.

Odisha Schools to Felicitate Retired Teachers on Teacher’s Day

According to the government communication, headmasters and headmistresses of schools have been asked to identify and invite retired male and female teachers from nearby areas for the Teachers’ Day celebrations.

The programmes will be held at the school level on September 5, 2026, which is observed as Teachers’ Day in India. Schools have also been directed to prepare a schedule of activities to ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations. The move places retired educators at the centre of this year's celebrations, acknowledging that their contribution to education continues to have a lasting impact even after retirement.

What Odisha Schools Have Been Asked to Do

As part of the directive, schools have been instructed to:

• Observe Teacher’s Day on September 5, 2026.
• Invite retired teachers from nearby localities.
• Organise a felicitation programme for retired educators.
• Prepare a schedule of activities for the occasion.
• Document the programmes conducted at the school level.
• Share details and photographs of the celebrations with the concerned authorities.

Why Retired Teachers Will Be Honoured

The initiative is intended to recognise the dedicated service and contribution of retired teachers to Odisha's education sector.

Teachers often continue to influence students and communities long after they leave active service. By inviting retired educators back to schools, the state is seeking to acknowledge their contribution and give students an opportunity to interact with senior members of the teaching community.

Teacher’s Day 2026: Why September 5 Is Important

India celebrates Teacher’s Day every year on September 5, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, philosopher, educationist and India's second President.

Schools and colleges across the country organise programmes, cultural activities and special events to express gratitude towards teachers. In 2026, the President will also confer the National Teacher’s Awards on 48 school teachers at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 5.

Odisha Schools to Celebrate Teacher’s Day Alongside Regular Academic Activities

The Odisha Directorate of Secondary Education had earlier directed District Education Officers to ensure proper observance of Teacher’s Day and Children’s Day in secondary schools. It had also clarified that regular classes should resume as per the timetable after the observance to maintain continuity in the teaching-learning process.

Also Check: Teacher's Day 2026: Best Gift for Your Teacher? It’s Not Roses, It’s Respect