Birth Anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birth anniversary on 5th September has been observed as Teachers’ Day in India since 1962 to recognise the contribution of teachers and their role in shaping society.
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on 5th September 1888 in Tiruttani, present-day Tamil Nadu. He completed his education at Christian College, Madras, and developed a deep interest in philosophy and comparative religion.
- He served as a professor at prestigious institutions, including the University of Mysore and the University of Calcutta. He later became the first Indian to hold the Spalding Professorship of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford, reflecting his global recognition as a scholar of philosophy and religion.
- Through his writings on Indian philosophy, comparative religion and Hindu thought, Radhakrishnan played an important role in introducing Indian philosophical traditions to the Western world. His notable works include Indian Philosophy and The Hindu View of Life.
- He believed that education was a powerful tool for social transformation and emphasised the role of teachers in shaping the intellectual and moral foundation of society.
- He also chaired the University Education Commission (1948–49), which recommended reforms for improving higher education in independent India.
- He served as India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1949–1952) and became the first Vice President of India (1952–1962). He later served as the second President of India from 13th May 1962 to 13th May 1967.
- As President, he was known for his wisdom, scholarship, dignity of office and commitment to parliamentary democracy and constitutional values
- For his contribution to the country, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1954. He passed away on 17th April 1975, leaving behind a lasting legacy in education, philosophy and public life.
