Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

 Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: Childhood, Education, and Professional Life

As a scholar, philosopher, and statesman, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a complex personality who had an enduring impression on Indian history. Although his time as India's second president is what made him most famous, his contributions to philosophy, education, and the advancement of Hinduism and Vedanta deserve equal respect.

Early life and Education

On September 5, 1888, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born in Tiruttani, Madras Presidency, British India. His parents, Sarvepalli Veeraswami and Sarvepalli Sita, were Niyogi Brahmins who spoke Telugu and had roots in the Nellore area of Andhra Pradesh. Early education for Radhakrishnan took place in Thiruttani and Tirupati, but it was at Madras Christian College that he really excelled, earning a Master's degree in philosophy there in 1906.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan embarked on an outstanding academic career, starting as a professor of philosophy at the University of Madras  in 1909. He later became a professor at the University of Mysore in 1918 and author of numerous papers. newspapers as well as important books on philosophy, including “Philosophy of Philosophy”. Rabindranath Tagore” and “The Dominion of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy.” In 1921, he assumed the prestigious King George V Ethical and Mental Sciences Chair  at the University of Calcutta. His work led to him giving notable lectures, being knighted and serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Andhra  and Professor of Spalding  at the University of Oxford.

International recognition

Radhakrishnan's global influence began with his attendance at lectures and international conferences. He participated in the International Congress of Philosophy at Harvard University and the Congress of Universities of the British Empire, thus being recognized as an expert on Indian thought. His Hibbert lecture, "An Ideal View of Life," given at the University of Manchester, Oxford, was another  milestone in his intellectual journey.

Oxford Professor and Nobel Prize Nominee

In 1936, Radhakrishnan became a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and was appointed  Spalding Professor of Eastern Religious Ethics. He was even nominated 27 times for the Nobel Prize, 11 times for the Nobel Peace Prize and 16 times for  the Literature Prize, underscoring the worldwide recognition of his contributions.

Political career

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan entered politics later after establishing himself as an international expert on philosophy. He was an active participant in  Andhra Mahasabha in 1928 and supported the renaming of the  division of the ceded districts as Rayalaseema. After India's independence, he represented the country at UNESCO and held the post of Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union. Radhakrishnan was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India and later became the First Vice President of India in 1952. He then served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. His political base was rooted in the defense of Hindu culture and Indian culture. culture. intellectual tradition.

Teachers' day celebration

When Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan assumed the presidency of India, his students and friends came to ask him  to celebrate his birthday on September 5. In a modest response, he suggested that the day should instead be dedicated to honoring teachers. Since then,  September 5 has been celebrated as Teachers' Day in India, in honor of the profound impact  educators have on society.

Philosophical legacy

Radhakrishnan's most enduring legacy lies in his philosophical contributions. He bridged the gap between Eastern and Western thought, defending Hinduism against Western misconceptions. He argues that the Advaita Vedanta, with its emphasis on intuition and inner awareness, represents the pinnacle of religious experience.  Awards and Trophies

Dr. Savepalli Radharishnan has received many awards and honors, some of the notable honors are as follows: