Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Biography

 Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a prominent Indian philosopher, scholar, and statesman who served as the first Vice President of India (1952-1962) and the second President of India (1962-1967). He was born on September 5, 1888, in a small village called Tiruttani in the erstwhile Madras Presidency of British India (now in Tamil Nadu, India). Radhakrishnan's life and work have had a significant impact on Indian philosophy, education, and politics.

Radhakrishnan came from a humble background and faced various challenges in his early life. He excelled in academics and earned scholarships to continue his education. He completed his graduation from Madras Christian College, and later, he pursued a master's degree in Philosophy from the same institution. Radhakrishnan's profound interest in philosophy led him to study at the University of Madras and the University of Calcutta, where he completed his doctoral studies.

In 1918, Radhakrishnan started his academic career as a professor of philosophy at the University of Mysore. He subsequently held teaching positions at various universities, including the University of Calcutta and the University of Oxford. His erudition and deep understanding of Indian philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta, earned him international recognition. Radhakrishnan's book "Indian Philosophy" became a classic in the field and established him as a leading authority on the subject.

Radhakrishnan's commitment to education and philosophy continued throughout his life. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University. His contributions to education and philosophy earned him several honorary degrees and accolades both in India and abroad.

In the political arena, Radhakrishnan's profound knowledge and statesmanship skills were highly regarded. In 1947, he became the Indian Ambassador to the Soviet Union, and later, he served as the Ambassador to UNESCO. In 1952, Radhakrishnan was elected as the Vice President of India, a position he held for two terms until 1962. During his tenure, he used the Vice Presidency as a platform to advocate for education, social justice, and the promotion of Indian culture and philosophy.

In 1962, Radhakrishnan was elected as the President of India, succeeding Dr. Rajendra Prasad. As President, he played a crucial role in strengthening the cultural and educational foundations of the country. He believed in the importance of fostering harmony and understanding between different cultures and religions, both within India and at the global level.

After completing his term as President in 1967, Radhakrishnan continued to contribute to academia and philosophy. He served as a visiting professor at various universities and institutions worldwide. His works, lectures, and teachings continue to inspire generations of scholars and students.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975, leaving behind a rich intellectual and political legacy. He was a scholar, philosopher, and statesman who dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, education, and the promotion of India's cultural heritage. His contributions to Indian philosophy and his service to the nation have made him an iconic figure in India's history. Radhakrishnan's birthday, September 5th, is celebrated as Teacher's Day in India, honoring his dedication to education and the teaching profession.