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