Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975) was an Indian philosopher, statesman, and the second President of India. He played a key role in shaping modern Indian philosophy and served as an influential academic, diplomat, and political figure. Here are some key aspects of his life and contributions:
- Early Life and Education: Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, a town in the Madras Presidency of British India (now in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu). He excelled in academics from a young age and went on to study philosophy at Madras Christian College.
- Academic Career: Radhakrishnan pursued an academic career and became one of India’s most distinguished scholars of comparative religion and philosophy. He taught at various universities, including the University of Mysore and the University of Calcutta. His works, including “The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore” and “Indian Philosophy,” gained international recognition.
- Diplomatic Service: Radhakrishnan entered the diplomatic service and served as the Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. Later, he represented India at the United Nations from 1952 to 1954.
- Vice Presidency: In 1952, Radhakrishnan was elected as the first Vice President of India. He held this position until 1962.
- Presidency (1962-1967): Radhakrishnan was elected as the President of India in 1962, succeeding Dr. Rajendra Prasad. His presidency was marked by his efforts to strengthen India’s educational and cultural heritage. He believed in the importance of education and saw teachers as the backbone of society.
- Teachers’ Day: One of the notable contributions of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is the celebration of his birthday, September 5, as Teachers’ Day in India. Instead of celebrating his own birthday, he suggested that the day should be dedicated to honoring teachers, reflecting his deep respect for the teaching profession.
- Philosophical Contributions: Radhakrishnan’s philosophy was deeply rooted in the traditions of Vedanta, and he sought to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western thought. He emphasized the importance of spiritual values and the need for a harmonious coexistence of different religious traditions.
- Later Years and Legacy: After his term as President, Radhakrishnan retired from active politics and devoted himself to writing and philosophical pursuits. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975. His contributions to philosophy, education, and public service have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as one of India’s foremost scholars and statesmen.