Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan



Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, born on September 5, 1888, in a small town called Tiruttani in present-day Tamil Nadu, India, was a distinguished scholar, philosopher, and statesman. He was not only one of the most respected philosophers of the 20th century but also an exemplary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping modern India. His contributions to education and his commitment to the advancement of learning earned him immense respect, both in India and across the world.

Dr. Radhakrishnan's rise from a humble background to becoming  India's first Vice President as well as India's second President is a remarkable story of perseverance, intellect, and service. His birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India, honoring his contributions to education and his belief in the vital role teachers play in society.

Life and Education

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born into a modest Brahmin family. His father, Sarvepalli Veerasamy, and mother, Sitabai, lived a simple life, with his father working as a subordinate revenue official. Although the family was not financially well-off, they placed a great emphasis on education. Radhakrishnan's early education took place in Tiruttani and Tirupati, where he excelled as a bright and curious student.

He later attended Madras Christian College, one of the leading educational institutions in India at the time. It was here that Radhakrishnan developed a keen interest in philosophy. He graduated with a master's degree in philosophy, and his thesis on the ethics of the Vedanta became the foundation of his future scholarly work.

Dr. Radhakrishnan married Sivakamu, with whom he had five daughters and one son. His personal life was grounded in simplicity and a commitment to family values. Despite his global fame and position of power, he remained deeply spiritual and connected to his philosophical beliefs.

Radhakrishnan was a staunch believer in tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect between different religions and cultures. He often emphasized that religion should unite rather than divide humanity, and his work reflected a lifelong effort to promote harmony between different religious and philosophical traditions.

Career as a Philosopher and Academic

Dr. Radhakrishnan began his academic career as a professor of philosophy, and he soon gained recognition for his deep understanding of Indian and Western philosophical traditions. His work focused on interpreting and analyzing the Vedanta school of thought, one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. He sought to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western thought by demonstrating the relevance and value of Indian philosophy in global discourse.

In 1918, he became a professor of philosophy at the University of Mysore, where he quickly established himself as a distinguished thinker. He later moved to the prestigious University of Calcutta in 1921, where he held the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science. His lectures and writings gained widespread attention, and he became a leading figure in the intellectual circles of India.

One of his most famous works, The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore (1918), explored the philosophical underpinnings of Tagore's poetry and writing. In addition, his seminal works, "Indian Philosophy" (1923) and "The Hindu View of Life" (1927), solidified his reputation as a leading scholar and an interpreter of India’s spiritual and intellectual heritage.

International Recognition and Contributions

Dr. Radhakrishnan's scholarship earned him international acclaim. In 1929, he was invited to deliver lectures at Oxford University as part of the prestigious Upton Lectures. His deep knowledge of Indian philosophy and his ability to engage with Western philosophical traditions made him a respected voice on the global stage. He became the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford from 1936 to 1952.

During this period, Radhakrishnan traveled extensively, delivering lectures and promoting a deeper understanding of Indian philosophy. He was deeply committed to promoting cross-cultural understanding, believing that philosophy and religion could help unite people of different backgrounds. His scholarship also earned him honorary degrees and awards from universities and institutions across the world, including Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge.

Role in Indian Politics and Diplomacy

After India gained independence in 1947, Dr. Radhakrishnan transitioned from academia to politics and diplomacy, becoming a key figure in shaping India's newly established government. In 1949, he was appointed as India’s first Ambassador to the Soviet Union, a crucial position during a time when India was establishing its place in the global order. His diplomatic skills helped strengthen the relationship between India and the Soviet Union, and his tenure was marked by success.

In 1952, he was elected as the first Vice President of India, a position he held until 1962. As Vice President, Dr. Radhakrishnan presided over the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the upper house of India’s Parliament. His tenure was characterized by his dignified leadership, and he earned widespread respect for his knowledge, integrity, and commitment to democratic principles.

Presidency and Legacy

In 1962, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the second President of India, succeeding Dr. Rajendra Prasad. As President, he continued to advocate for education, philosophy, and ethics in public life. He saw his role as that of a guide and mentor, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical values in nation-building. Even as President, Radhakrishnan remained humble and connected with scholars, teachers, and students.

One of his lasting legacies is the celebration of Teachers’ Day in India. When some of his students and friends approached him to celebrate his birthday, he requested that instead of celebrating his birth, they should dedicate the day to honoring teachers across the nation. As a result, September 5 is celebrated every year as Teachers’ Day in India, in recognition of the vital role that teachers play in shaping the future of the country.

Dr. Radhakrishnan's presidency was marked by his emphasis on education and his efforts to promote India's rich cultural and philosophical heritage. He continued to write and reflect on philosophical issues during his presidency, encouraging people to seek wisdom, tolerance, and understanding in their lives.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his life, Dr. Radhakrishnan received numerous honors and awards. He was knighted in 1931, though he preferred not to use the title "Sir" after India gained independence. In 1954, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to education and philosophy.

His writings and ideas continue to inspire generations of students, scholars, and thinkers around the world.

Death and Legacy

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975, in Chennai, India. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy endures through his numerous contributions to philosophy, education, and public service.

Dr. Radhakrishnan's life serves as a reminder of the power of education, the importance of intellectual curiosity, and the value of tolerance and understanding. His vision for a better world one rooted in knowledge, ethics, and harmony, continues to inspire individuals to this day. His works remain a significant part of academic curricula, and his life is a testament to the transformative power of ideas and education.

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