Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan - A Lifestory

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a prominent Indian philosopher, academic, and statesman who served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. Born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, Madras Presidency, British India (now in Tamil Nadu, India), Radhakrishnan's early education was steeped in religious and philosophical studies. He pursued his Master's degree in Philosophy from Madras Christian College, where his thesis critiqued prevailing philosophical viewpoints. He then embarked on an academic career, teaching philosophy at various prestigious institutions, including the University of Mysore and the University of Calcutta. His insightful lectures and writings on Indian philosophy, particularly his interpretations of Hinduism and Vedanta, earned him international recognition.

Radhakrishnan's philosophical contributions aimed to bridge Eastern and Western thought, presenting Indian philosophy in a way that was accessible and relevant to a global audience. He emphasized the importance of intuition and spiritual experience in understanding reality, while also engaging with Western philosophical traditions. His notable works include "Indian Philosophy," "The Hindu View of Life," and "Eastern Religions and Western Thought." Beyond his academic pursuits, Radhakrishnan was deeply involved in India's independence movement and served as a diplomat and statesman. He represented India at UNESCO and served as India's Ambassador to the Soviet Union. His dedication to education and philosophical inquiry led to his appointment as Vice President of India in 1952, followed by his presidency in 1962. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975, leaving behind a legacy as a profound thinker, eloquent speaker, and dedicated advocate for education and international understanding. His birthday, September 5th, is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India in recognition of his contributions to the field of education.