Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975) was one of the most recognized and influential Indian thinkers in academic circles in the 20th century. Throughout his life and extensive writing career, Radhakrishnan sought to define, defend, and promulgate Hinduism, Vedanta, and the religion of the Spirit.
He sought to demonstrate that his Hinduism was both philosophically coherent and ethically viable. His concern for experience and his extensive knowledge of the Western philosophical and literary traditions earned him the reputation of being a bridge-builder between India and the West. He appears to feel at home in the Indian as well as the Western philosophical contexts and draws from both Western and Indian sources throughout his writing. Because of this, he has been held up in academic circles as a representative of Hinduism to the West.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh on September 5, 1888. He was a well-known academician as well as a recognized politician in our country. He excelled in academics and frequently visited universities in Andhra Pradesh, Mysore, and Calcutta. He also served as a professor in Oxford and went on to become the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University and the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University as a result of his successful academic career.
As a tribute to this renowned academician, Teachers Day is celebrated every year on September 5, to mark his birth anniversary. Dr. Radhakrishnan was the first vice president of India (1952-1962)and later became President of India in 1962. This great teacher was knighted in1931 and was awarded the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna in 1954.
