(Image source from: What is the controversy behind Modi's Teacher's Day plans})

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has plans to address school student all over the country on Teachers' Day on Friday through satellite. But PM Modi's ambitious plan has been hit by controversies.

Some of the states that are ruled by non-NDA parties - including Bihar and West Bengal - have shown a lacklustre response to Modi's Teacher's Day plans.

Meanwhile Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani lashed out at the opposition to the controversial event.

Irani says the event will be an interaction of the PM of India with the students of India. That he is not just a PM of the BJP and questioning the interaction of PM with India is definitely laughable. Said.

So what is the controversy all about?

Political parties in Tamil Nadu have been accusing the Union government of trying to change the name of the day to Guru Utsav. September 5 marks the birthday of former President S Radhakrishnan, while Guru Utsav is the the Sanskrit translation of Teachers' Day.

The controversy originated after a circular was issued to all schools by the Centre. The Union government clarified that Guru Utsav is an essay writing competition.

HRD Minister Smriti Irani said that people who gave political reactions have been unable to understood the concept. She even said that facts were being distorted.

Controversy over Modi's Teachers' Day speech being compulsory for students?

The HRD ministry has been accused for making Modi's Teachers' Day event compulsory for students.

Congress leader Narayan Rane said the party will oppose it. Making the speech compulsory for school students is against the constitution, Rane added. However, the HRD ministry maintains that students participation in the Teacher's Day event is voluntary.

Another sore point for the organiser is the timing of the event. Irani's office has directed schools across India to ensure the presence of children between 3 to 4.45 pm on Friday. During that time there will be the live telecast and webcast of the PM's speech. So schools have been asked to schedule classes and mid-day meals keeping the PM's programme in mind.

Meanwhile, many schools have said that they lack the infrastructure needed to telecast the event in the school premises. So they would be unable to host the event.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)