Early Life and Background Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a name synonymous with wisdom and vision, was born on September 5, 1888, in the small village of Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu. Born into a humble Brahmin family, he was the son of Sarvepalli Veeraswami and Sitamma. Despite the financial constraints, his parents were known for their scholarly nature and dignity, a legacy that deeply influenced Radhakrishnan.
Family Heritage The Radhakrishnan family hailed from the Sarvepalli village, a detail that became their surname. In his early household, Radhakrishnan grew up with four brothers and a sister, in a setting rich with cultural and intellectual stimulation.
Educational Journey From a young age, Radhakrishnan exhibited exceptional academic prowess. He completed his graduation in Arts from the Lutheran Mission School in Tirupati in 1904, excelling in subjects like history, mathematics, and psychology. Interestingly, he also studied the Bible in depth, showcasing his inclination towards diverse religious texts.
His profound interest in Indian philosophy and spirituality led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Philosophy in 1916. He then embarked on an academic career, initially as an assistant professor at the Madras Residency College and later as a philosophy professor at Mysore University. His scholarly journey reached a global scale when he served as a professor at the prestigious Oxford University in England.
Personal Life Radhakrishnan’s personal life was a reflection of the societal norms of his time, which included practices like child marriage. He married Sivakamu at the age of 16, while she was just 10 years old. Notably, Sivakamu was well-versed in Telugu and English. Throughout his life, Radhakrishnan was deeply inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Veer Savarkar, drawing lessons from their lives to guide his own.
Political Career After India’s independence, Radhakrishnan was invited by the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to serve as a member of the Constituent Assembly from 1947 to 1949. His tenure in the assembly and later in the parliament was marked by his amiable nature, firmness, and wit, traits fondly remembered by colleagues and adversaries alike.
From May 13, 1952, to 1962, he graced the position of India’s Vice President, bringing a blend of intellectualism and diplomacy to the role. Subsequently, on May 13, 1962, he was elected as the second President of independent India, a tenure that was challenging due to events like the India-Pakistan war, the India-China conflict, and the demise of two Prime Ministers. Despite these challenges, Radhakrishnan’s leadership remained steadfast and commendable.
Bertrand Russell’s Tribute to Dr. Radhakrishnan
The esteemed philosopher Bertrand Russell once commented on Dr. Radhakrishnan’s election as President of India, noting, “It’s a matter of great honor for the entire philosophical community that Dr. Radhakrishnan, a philosopher, has been elected as the President of India. I am particularly delighted as a philosopher myself.” Russell’s admiration echoed the sentiment of many who saw in Dr. Radhakrishnan’s presidency a realization of Plato’s ideal of a philosopher-king.
The Esteemed Awards and Honors of Dr. Radhakrishnan
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s contributions to the fields of politics and education were recognized through various prestigious awards and honors. Most notably, he was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954. His international accolades included the German “Order Pour le Merite for Arts and Science” (1954), the British knighthood (1913), an appointment as a Fellow of the British Academy (1938), representation of India at UNESCO (1946), the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade (1961), and the British Order of Merit (1963). His unique contributions were also acknowledged by the American government with the Templeton Prize in 1975, making him the first non-Christian recipient of this honor. Additionally, he was honored posthumously with a scholarship in his name at Oxford University in 1989.
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s Prolific Literary Contributions
As an accomplished writer, Dr. Radhakrishnan penned several books in English, contributing significantly to Indian and global literature. His works include “Gandhi: A Tribute”, “India and the World”, “India and China”, “Contemporary Indian Literature”, “Spiritual Companionship”, “The Quest for Truth”, “The Essence of India”, “Rabindranath Tagore’s Philosophy”, “The Life and Philosophy of Gautama Buddha”, “A History of Indian Philosophy (Vol.1 & 2)”, “The Message of the Upanishads”, “Economic Planning in India”, “Freedom and Culture”, “Thoughts on Indian Culture”, and more.
Legacy and the Institution of Teacher’s Day
Dr. Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975, after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a rich legacy in education. In honor of his contributions, his birthday on September 5th is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India. This day is marked by honoring the country’s most distinguished and accomplished educators, thereby perpetuating his vision for an enlightened society through education.
Reflecting on Dr. Radhakrishnan’s Philosophical and Educational Contributions
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s life was a testament to the power of education and philosophy in shaping a nation’s destiny. His belief in the transformative role of teachers and education in society’s progress remains a guiding principle. His journey from a humble background to the highest office in India is not just an inspiring tale of personal achievement but a reminder of the role intellectuals can play in governance and policy-making.
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