Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan - The Philosopher President of India

By Priyabrata Mishra -

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a renowned philosopher, teacher, and statesman who left a lasting impact on India's intellectual and cultural development. Read on to discover his remarkable contributions to Indian education, culture, and democracy, and how his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians.



Introduction:

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a philosopher, teacher, and statesman who served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. He was a highly respected and revered leader who played a pivotal role in shaping India's political and social structure. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Radhakrishnan's life, accomplishments, family history, and more.

Early Life and Education:

Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a small village near Thiruttani in Tamil Nadu. He was the second son of a Telugu-speaking family of Brahmins. His father was a subordinate revenue official, and the family lived in relative poverty. Radhakrishnan was an exceptional student who excelled in both academics and sports. He completed his Bachelor's degree from Madras Christian College and went on to study philosophy at the University of Madras.

Philosophical Contributions:

Radhakrishnan's philosophical contributions were significant and far-reaching. He was an expert in both Indian and Western philosophy and was instrumental in bringing Eastern philosophy to the attention of the Western world. He wrote numerous books and articles on philosophy, including "Indian Philosophy," "The Principal Upanishads," and "Recovery of Faith."

In 1931, Radhakrishnan was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, where he played a significant role in shaping the university's academic programs. He was also a member of the British Parliament's House of Lords from 1935 to 1952, where he represented India's interests and fought for the country's independence.

Political Career:

Radhakrishnan's political career began in 1946 when he was appointed as India's ambassador to the Soviet Union. He played a critical role in strengthening India's relationship with the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries. In 1952, he was elected as the Vice-President of India, and in 1962, he became India's second President.

As President, Radhakrishnan worked tirelessly to uphold the values of the Indian Constitution and promote social justice and equality. He was a vocal advocate for education and believed that it was the key to India's progress. He was also a strong supporter of India's cultural heritage and worked to promote the country's rich cultural traditions.

Accomplishments:

Radhakrishnan's presidency was marked by numerous accomplishments. He was instrumental in establishing the National Science Academy, the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, and the National Library of India. He also worked to strengthen India's relationship with other countries and promote peace and cooperation among nations.

Radhakrishnan was also a renowned teacher and was deeply committed to education. He believed that education was the key to unlocking the potential of every individual and was instrumental in shaping India's education policy. He was a strong advocate for the modernization of Indian education and worked to promote scientific and technological education.

Legacy:

Radhakrishnan's legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians. He was a remarkable leader who dedicated his life to the service of the people of India. His contributions to Indian philosophy, education, and politics are unparalleled, and his legacy continues to guide and inspire the country. His birthday, September 5th, is celebrated as Teacher's Day in India, and his life and work remain a shining example of the highest ideals of public service, intellectual rigour, and cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an eminent philosopher, teacher, and statesman who contributed significantly to India's intellectual and cultural development. His vision and commitment to education, social justice, and national unity continue to inspire and guide generations of Indians.

As the first Vice President and second President of India, Radhakrishnan left a lasting impact on the country's political and social landscape. He played a crucial role in building India's modern education system, promoting Indian culture and philosophy around the world, and upholding the values of democracy, freedom, and social equality.

Radhakrishnan's legacy remains a shining example of the highest ideals of public service and intellectual pursuit. His life and work serve as a reminder that India's strength lies in its diversity, its intellectual heritage, and its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth, justice, and peace.

As we celebrate his life and achievements, let us remember his message of universal love, compassion, and human brotherhood. Let us strive to build a better world, where knowledge, wisdom, and human values are celebrated and cherished, and where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Comments

Post a Comment

POPULAR POSTS

on examination by winston 's churchill Q & A for +2 CHSE students

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
On Examination  by Winston S Churchill Introducing the author Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (1874 — 1965) was the Prime Minister of England twice (1940- 45  and  1951-55).  A  noted statesman and orator, Churchill was also an officer in the  British Army, a historian, a writer, and an artist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in  Literature in       1953.  At Harrow" is an excerpt from  Chapter II (HARROW) of Winston  S. Churchill's autobiography, A Roving Commission My Early Life (1930).   Unit I Warm-up Examinations, for many, are not a pleasant experience. The apprehension of not doing well makes even bright students anxious. Read the following unit of the text and note how the writer took his Entrance Examination to Harrow: The Text I had scarcely passed my twelfth birthday when  I entered the inhospitable regions of examinations, through which for the next seven years I was destined to journey.  These examinations were a great trial to me.  The  subjects which were
Read more

Daffodils by William Wordsworth (With Question Answers) CHSE Invitation to English I Book

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
DAFFODILS  by William Wordsworth Introducing the poet William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850) is one of the major poets of his time. He was honoured as England's Poet Laureate.He defined poetry as ―Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings‖ arising from ―emotions recollected in tranquility‖. He is a poet of nature, and used common words to express his feelings.Warm up This poem incorporates the ideas and aspects essential to romantic poetry. The field of daffodils is evidently the subject of this poem, making nature the most apparent feature throughout. Wordsworth adds a range of natural images such as lakes, trees, stars and even clouds in this poem. Through nature a tranquil mood is instantly created from the very first line,―I wandered lonely as a cloud.‖ The atmosphere of the poem is very peaceful and the use of nature creates a joyful setting. Not until the poet later muses about what he saw does he fully appreciate the cheerful sight of the dancing daffodils.Study the poem and note
Read more

After Twenty Years by O’ Henry Question and Answers

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
After Twenty Years  O’ Henry Introducing the author William Sydney Porter (1862 -1910), known by his pen name O Henry, was an American writer. His short stories are known for their wit, wordplay, warm characterization and surprise. Unit I Warm Up Do you value personal relationship? What will you prefer if personal relationship comes in the way of your duty? O’ Henry narrates this story to show - ‘Devotion to duty triumphs over personal relationship’. The story depicts the irony and pathos of life in a subtle and dramatic manner. Read the following unit of the text and note how two friends meet after twenty years at the appointed time and place: The Text The policeman on the beat moved up the quiet road smartly. His smartness was habitual and not for show, for spectators were few. The time was only 10 o’clock at night. But the locality was one that kept early hours, and chilly winds and a drizzle had almost depeopled the streets. Examining closed doors as he went, making various interes
Read more

To my True Friend by Elizabeth Pinard Explanation and Question Answers

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
  To my True Friend by Elizabeth Pinard      The day I met you I found a friend - And a friendship that I pray will never end. Your smile - so sweet And so bright - Kept me going When day was as dark as night. You never ever judged me, You understood my sorrow. Then you told me it needn't be that way And gave me the hope of a better tomorrow. You were always there for me, I knew I could count on you. You gave me advice and encouragement Whenever I didn't know what to do. You helped me learn to love myself You made life seem so good. You said I can do anything I put my mind to And suddenly I knew I could. There were times when we didn't see eye to eye And there were days when both of us cried. But even so we made it through: Our friendship hasn't yet died. Circumstances have pulled us apart, We are separated by many miles. Truly, the only thing that keeps me going Is my treasured memory of your smile. This friendship we share Is so precious to me, I hope it grows and flo
Read more

The Doctor's Word by R. K. Narayan Questions and Ansewers

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
  The Doctor’s Word Q1. Why did the patients visit Dr Raman only when they were hopeless? Ans. The patients visited Dr Raman only when they were hopeless, for following reasons. Firstly, he charged a sum of twenty-five rupees which was quite a lot according to that time. Secondly, it was said that Dr Raman was called in only when the last time of the patient approached. Also, there was something threatening or scary about his presence as his presence meant that the patient was seriously ill. Q2.What impression of Dr Raman do you get from the passage? Ans. Dr. Raman was skilled in his profession. Owing to his expertise, people valued his opinion and it was considered no less than a verdict of a judge. He was honest while imparting the facts to his patients, as in, what their condition was in terms of health. He never used comforting words to his patients and thought that it was of no use. But if he glimpsed the faintest sign of hope in his patient, he rolled up his sleeve and sa
Read more

MONEY MADNESS by D.H. Lawrence (Analysis and Question Answer Discussion)

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
MONEY MADNESS   D.H. Lawrence Introducing the Poet David Herbert Richards Lawrence (1885 –1930) is an English novelist, poet, playwright, essayist, literary critic and painter. His Collected Works represent an extended reflection upon the dehumanising effects of modernity and industrialisation. In them, Lawrence confronts issues relating to emotional health and vitality, spontaneity, and instinct.Warm up Craze for money seems to have gripped the modern world. In today‘s world, people need money to have access to things. Without money they are really lost and don‘t know what to do. Without money, they may end up on the streets. The rich are, therefore, admired for their wealth and prosperity and the poor are hated for their poverty and adversity. But money has been the root, if not of all evil, of great misery to the human race. Money turns man insane.Read the poem and note how the poet pleads for a society without money. The Text  Money is our madness, our vast collective madness. And
Read more

The Inchcape Rock Question Answers

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
  THE INCHCAPE ROCK UNIT-1 1.       What does the poet describe the Inchcape rock? Ans. The poet states that the Inchcape rock was few inches high above the rock the surface of the sea in low ride and was completely covered by the sea in high tide or when the sea was rough. 2.       Was the Inchcape Rock dangerous? Give your reasons? Ans. The Inchcape Rock dangerous , because during sunny days the huge stone could be easily noticed, but it was completely covered by the sea in a high tide or when the sea swelled. As a result, many ships had been wrecked. 3.       Why did the abbot place a bell on the Inchcape Rock? Ans. The Abbot placed a bell on the Inchcape Rock to warn the sailors of the presence of this fatal rock nearby. 4.       When did the Inchcape bell ring? Ans. The Inchcape bell rang during a storm or when the sea swelled. 5.       Why did mariners bless the Abbot? Ans. Mariners blessed the Abbot because he saved many imminent ship-wrecks during the storm
Read more

In London in minus four by Louis Fischer (Questions and Answers)

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
IN LONDON IN MINUS FOURS  Louis Fischer Introducing the author Louis Fischer (1896–1970) is an outstanding American writer, columnist, and analyst of world affairs. He occupies a unique place among Gandhiji’sadmirers in the West. He has closely studied the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi in his book life of Mahatma Gandhi (1950).  Unit I Warm-Up Do you know that the Second Round Table Conference in London is an important landmark in the history of Indian freedom movement? It was held in London from7 September 1931 to 1 December 1931. Note that "In London in Minus Fours" forms a chapter in The Life of Mahatma Gandhi. In this essay, the author portrays the character of Gandhiji more as a humane human being than as a politician. Read the following unit of the text and note how the author relates Gandhiji'sarrival and stay at London as India's emissary to the Second Round TableConference: The Text  Gandhi sailed from Bombay on the S.S. Rajputana at noon on August 29,
Read more

My Greatest Olympic Prize by Jesse Owens

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
MY GREATEST OLYMPIC PRIZE   Jesse Owens Introducing the author   James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens (1913 -1980) was an American track and field athlete who specialized in sprints and long jump. He participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where he achieved international fame by winning four gold medals:one each in the 100 meters, 200 meters,long jump, and as member of the 4x100 metre relay race team. Unit I Warm up   The Olympic Games is the world‘s foremost sports competition featuring summer and winter sports, in which athletes from all over the world participate in a variety of competitions. In this essay, Jesse Owens shares his experiences of 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin when patriotic feelings were running high in Germany.However, Owens did not bother, as he trusted in his abilities. He tells his stunning story about forging a lasting friendship with a German, putting differences aside for the love of the Games. Read the following unit of the text a
Read more

THE BALLAD OF FATHER GILLIGAN

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
THE BALLAD OF FATHER GILLIGAN  William Butler Yeats Introducing the author William Butler Yeats (1865 - 1939) is an Irish poet,dramatist and mystic. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923.Warm up ―The Ballad of Father Gilligan‖ has a ballad form - a narrative poem, usually sung, with regular, short stanzas that tell a story. In this poem, Yeats narrates a profoundly meaningful story and it has a more overtly religious content than most of his poems. The story is about a priest who being emotionally and physically worn out fell into deep slumber. As he woke up, he was horrified by the fact that he could not make it to the bedside of the sick man before he died and that no one had performed the rites of blessing for the dying. The divine presence in the guise of the priest is an affirmation of a loving and kind God.Study the poem and find out how Yeats glorifies God. The Text  The old priest Peter Gilligan  Was weary night and day;  For half his flock were in their beds, 
Read more