New Delhi, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : S. Radhakrishnan, born on September 5, 1888, in the small village of Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, faced a childhood marked by economic hardship. Coming from a conservative Brahmin family, his father envisioned him as a temple priest rather than pursuing English education. However, Radhakrishnan’s intellectual prowess led him to secure scholarships that allowed him to complete his education, from early schooling to Madras Christian College.
Initially aspiring to study mathematics, financial constraints prevented him from purchasing new books. A turning point came when a cousin gifted him old philosophy texts, which shaped his academic journey. At just 20, he authored a research paper on “The Ethics of Vedanta,” providing a logical response to Western critiques of Hinduism. Without a formal PhD, he established himself as a distinguished scholar at Oxford University, promoting Indian philosophy on the global stage.
Radhakrishnan’s career as an educator took him from Mysore to Calcutta and eventually to Oxford. He also proved to be a remarkable diplomat. In 1949, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru appointed him as the ambassador to the Soviet Union, surprising many who questioned the role of a Vedantic philosopher in communist Russia.
During a meeting with the formidable Joseph Stalin, Radhakrishnan showcased his humanistic diplomacy. He spoke of peace, referencing Emperor Ashoka, and even patted Stalin on the back, evoking an emotional response from the dictator. Stalin remarked that Radhakrishnan was the first person to see him as a human rather than a monster. In a similar vein, he surprised Chinese leader Mao Zedong during an official visit in 1957.
In 1948, Radhakrishnan chaired the University Education Commission, laying the groundwork for higher education in independent India and strongly recommending the establishment of the University Grants Commission (UGC). He became India’s first Vice President in 1952 and the second President in 1962, maintaining a humble lifestyle throughout his public service. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, he often recited verses from Sanskrit or the Bible to defuse tense debates.
During his presidency (1962-1967), India faced two significant wars: the Sino-Indian War in 1962 and the Indo-Pakistani War in 1965. Radhakrishnan guided the nation with steadfast leadership during these challenging times. Recognized for his contributions to education, he received a knighthood from the British government in 1931 and served as India’s ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. He was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 1954 and initiated Teacher’s Day in 1962.
Despite an official presidential salary of ₹10,000 per month, Radhakrishnan accepted only ₹2,500, donating the remainder to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. When some friends and former students sought to celebrate his birthday on September 5, he humbly suggested that the day be observed as Teacher’s Day instead, reflecting his belief that only the brightest minds should teach.
This eminent philosopher, nominated for the Nobel Prize 27 times, passed away on April 17, 1975, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire educators and leaders today.
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