A Community Celebration of Teachers, Knowledge and Education

On 1st March 2026, the Slough and Maidenhead Branches of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK) organised a special Teacher Appreciation Day, known traditionally as Shikshak Vandan Diwas, at Langley Academy in Slough.

The event brought together more than 20 teachers representing over 10 schools and private educational institutions across Slough and Maidenhead, alongside students, parents, members of HSS (UK), and members of the wider community.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK), commonly known as HSS (UK), is a voluntary cultural and community organisation that promotes personal development, family wellbeing, community service, and active citizenship across the United Kingdom. Through its activities, HSS (UK) encourages young people to develop confidence and leadership skills while remaining connected to the values and heritage of Hindu and Indian culture.

Honouring the Role of Teachers

In Hindu and Indian traditions, teachers have historically been held in very high regard. The relationship between a teacher and student has traditionally extended beyond the transfer of academic knowledge to include the development of character, discipline, values, and a sense of responsibility.

The Teacher Appreciation Day programme was created to express gratitude to educators and recognise their contribution not only to students’ academic development but also to their personal growth and the wider community.

For young people in particular, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the influence teachers can have throughout a person’s life. A teacher’s impact may extend well beyond the classroom, helping students develop confidence, curiosity, resilience, integrity, and the ability to contribute positively to society.

Connecting Cultural Traditions with Modern Education

The programme opened with a traditional invocation dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu deity associated with knowledge, learning, wisdom, music, and the arts. The ceremony symbolised respect for education and the pursuit of knowledge.

This was followed by Sun Salutation exercises, a traditional sequence of yoga movements that combines physical activity with breathing and concentration. The activity encouraged participants to consider the connection between physical wellbeing, mental focus, and personal discipline.

Students also demonstrated traditional Indian games, including Kho-Kho and Kabaddi. These games provided an enjoyable way of showcasing Indian cultural heritage while highlighting values such as teamwork, agility, communication, strategy, discipline, and cooperation.

A Personal Expression of Gratitude

One of the most moving moments of the programme came when students shared personal video messages expressing their appreciation for their teachers.

The messages provided a heartfelt opportunity for students to acknowledge the guidance, encouragement, patience, and support they had received from their educators. Many of the teachers also appreciated learning about this cultural tradition of expressing gratitude towards teachers and the importance placed on educators within Hindu and Indian communities.

The event demonstrated that gratitude can be expressed in many ways and that recognising the contribution of teachers can strengthen the relationship between educators, students, families, and the wider community.

Reflections from Teachers

The programme also gave participating teachers an opportunity to share their own reflections on education and the relationship between teaching and service.

Mr Oliver King, Headteacher of Upton Court Grammar School, expressed his gratitude to the community for organising the event and highlighted the importance of character development alongside academic achievement. He praised the well-rounded nature of the students and reflected that, although teaching can be challenging, seeing young people grow and make positive contributions to society makes the profession deeply rewarding. He also expressed his appreciation at being invited to the celebration.

Miss Jane Welsh, an English private tutor, described it as an honour to participate in the programme. She reflected on how her parents had taught her the importance of giving back to society, which influenced her decision to become a teacher. She emphasised that true fulfilment can come from making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr Ranveer Sahota, Head of Year 10 and Mathematics Teacher at Upton Court Grammar School, thanked HSS (UK) for organising the programme. He reflected on a well-known Hindu prayer expressing the aspiration to move from ignorance and darkness towards knowledge and understanding. He connected this idea with the role teachers play in guiding young people, helping them overcome uncertainty and discover their potential.

A Shared Value of Gratitude

Although the event drew inspiration from Hindu and Indian cultural traditions, its central message was universal: teachers play an essential role in shaping individuals and society.

The celebration provided a bridge between cultural heritage and the contemporary British education system, giving young people an opportunity to express appreciation while giving educators a glimpse into a meaningful tradition from Indian culture.

Teacher Appreciation Day serves as a reminder that education is about more than academic results. It is also about nurturing curiosity, character, confidence, responsibility, and a lifelong desire to learn.

The event in Slough and Maidenhead celebrated these shared values and recognised the teachers who play such an important role in helping future generations learn, grow, and contribute positively to society.