Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

President John F. Kennedy with Indian President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, in the Oval Office (1)

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Radhakrishnan telugu signature

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Portrait DR. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

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President John F. Kennedy and President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan of India Exit White House

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State Visits by Dr S Radhakrishnan

Sarve palli raadhakrishnan, tankbund

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (5 September 1888 – 17 April 1975) was an Indian philosopher, academic, and statesman who served as the first Vice President of India (1952–1962) and the second President of India (1962–1967). One of India's most distinguished twentieth-century scholars of comparative religion and philosophy, his academic appointments included the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Calcutta (1921–1932) and Spalding Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at the University of Oxford (1936–1952).

Early Life and Education

Born in Tiruttani, now in the state of Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan grew up in a financially constrained environment. He was a bright student and, through scholarships, completed his education at the Madras Christian College. There, he studied philosophy and wrote a thesis on the ethics of the Vedanta, which was published and would later contribute significantly to his philosophical reputation.

Academic Career

Radhakrishnan's academic career was illustrious. He was appointed as a professor at the University of Mysore in 1918 and later at the University of Calcutta. His works on Indian philosophy and religion gained international recognition, and he was invited to prestigious universities around the world to deliver lectures. His interpretation of Hindu philosophy, particularly the Vedanta, as a rational system of thought, was highly influential in introducing Indian philosophy to the Western world.

Political Career

In 1952, Radhakrishnan was elected as the Vice President of India, and in 1962, he became the President. His tenure was marked by his efforts to bridge the gap between the West and the East, advocating for peace and understanding during the tumultuous times of the Cold War. He was also instrumental in establishing the framework for higher education in India and advocated for the importance of philosophical studies.

Philosophy and Legacy

Radhakrishnan's philosophical work was primarily focused on comparative religion and advocating for a universal religion free from dogma. He believed in the synthesis of Eastern and Western philosophies and argued that the true essence of religion transcends the boundaries of individual religions. His birthday is celebrated in India as Teachers' Day on 5 September every year, in recognition of his contribution to the field of education.

Awards and Honours

Throughout his life, Radhakrishnan received numerous awards and honours, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1954. He was also knighted in 1931, though he ceased to use the title after India attained independence.

Works

Radhakrishnan's body of work includes seminal texts on Indian philosophy, such as "The Philosophy of the Upanishads" and "Indian Philosophy". These works are considered essential readings for anyone interested in understanding the philosophical heritage of India.

Death

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan passed away on 17 April 1975, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire scholars, philosophers, and leaders around the world.