SchoolBesties

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an eminent philosopher, scholar, and statesman who served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. He is best known for his contributions to education and philosophy, and his birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teacher's Day in India in recognition of his belief in the importance of education and teachers in shaping society.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 5, 1888, in a small village near Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan was an exceptional student from a young age. He studied philosophy at Madras Christian College and became a brilliant academic, with his thesis on "The Ethics of the Vedanta and Its Metaphysical Presuppositions" gaining wide recognition. His scholarly work laid the foundation for his future contributions to Indian philosophy.

Academic Career and Philosophy

Radhakrishnan’s deep knowledge of both Western and Indian philosophy allowed him to interpret Indian thought for the Western world. He emphasized the importance of understanding Eastern spiritualism and ethics, especially the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), which stresses the oneness of all beings.

He held several prestigious academic positions, including:

• Professor of Philosophy at the University of Mysore and the University of Calcutta.
• Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford from 1936 to 1952.

His books, such as "The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore," "Indian Philosophy," and "The Hindu View of Life," helped bridge the gap between Indian and Western philosophical thought.

Role in Indian Independence and Politics

Although primarily an academic, Radhakrishnan was a staunch supporter of India's independence and an advocate for the role of education in nation-building. After India gained independence in 1947, he was appointed as India's first Vice President (1952–1962) and later as the second President (1962–1967).

In these roles, Radhakrishnan advocated for education as a means to promote national development and cultural unity. He believed that teachers played a critical role in shaping the future of India, and his respect for the teaching profession was profound. When his students suggested celebrating his birthday, he humbly requested that the day be celebrated as Teacher's Day to honor teachers across the country.

Contributions to Philosophy

Radhakrishnan’s philosophical thought was deeply rooted in the idea of synthesizing Eastern and Western philosophies. He believed that Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta, could offer solutions to many of the ethical and spiritual problems faced by the modern world. His work aimed at fostering mutual respect and understanding between different cultural and philosophical traditions.

Some of his major contributions include:

• Promoting the concept of spiritual democracy, where he emphasized respect for all religions.
• Bridging the gap between Eastern spiritualism and Western rationalism.
• Advocating for a global culture of tolerance and ethical responsibility.

Legacy

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's contributions to education, philosophy, and public service continue to inspire generations. His vision for education as a tool for moral and intellectual development has had a lasting impact on India's educational system. His books and lectures on Indian philosophy are still highly regarded globally.

As a tribute to his contributions, Teacher's Day is celebrated every year on September 5, honoring his belief that teachers are the backbone of society and the true nation-builders.