Why you need to know about India’s President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on Teacher’s day

It was in 1962 that the birthday of former President professor Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was first observed as Teachers’ Day on September 5.

Dr Radhakrishnan was the President of India, the vice-president and the Indian envoy to the Soviet Union; but above all, he was a philosopher and a teacher.

Here are top things you should know about the ‘philosopher President’ of India:

1. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruttani, a town in Madras (now Chennai).It is said his father wanted him to become a priest and not study English. Radhakrishnan was eventually sent to a school in Thirupati.

   A brilliant student, he studied philosophy at Madras Christian College, but it wasn’t by choice. He didn’t have enough money to buy books, and his cousin, who had graduated in philosophy from the same college, passed on his books — the choice was made for Dr Radhakrishnan.

   After finishing studies, he went on to teach at the University of Calcutta, the University of Oxford, and the University of Mysore. He also served as the vice chancellor of Andhra University and the Banaras Hindu University.

2. Before holding vice presidency in 1952, Radhakrishnan was appointed as the ambassador to the UNESCO in 1946 and then to the Soviet Union. He was elected the President of Republic of India in 1962. During Radhkrishnan’s presidency, India witnessed two wars — against China in 1962 and against Pakistan in 1965.
3. When he became the President, some Radhkrishnan’s students requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday. He replied, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day.” His birthday has since been marked as a day to commemorate the contribution of teachers to our lives.
4. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman is the is the great grandnephew of Dr Radhakrishnan.

Watch: Documentary on Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Source: Hindustantimes