“Teachers should be the best minds in the country”

Born in a middle-class Tamil Brahmin family, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is a name known for his multi-faceted career across different domains as a philosopher, professor, and politician. After his education in Vellore, he started his college education in 1904 at Madras Christian University.

From 1921 to 1932, he worked as a Professor of Philosophy at King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Calcutta. He also worked as a Spalding professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford. Deeply loved by his students, his carriage was once pulled by them, when he was traveling to Mysore railway station from the University. Interestingly, he was nominated 11 times for the Nobel Peace Prize and 16 times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He also worked as the chancellor of the University of Delhi, from 1953 to 1962.

“A life of joy and happiness is possible only on the basis of knowledge and science.”

A man of dynamic talents, his political career was equally illustrious. He was elected as the Vice President in 1952 and also served as the President of India from 1962 to 1967. After attaining presidency, he was once asked by his students to allow them to celebrate his birthday on September 5. He instead requested his students to dedicate this day to teachers to honour their contribution in honing the next generation.

Speaking of the recognition he received, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954. He was also responsible for defending Hinduism against Western beliefs, which was full of misconceptions against this faith system. Backed with his education in Philosophy and knowledge about Upanishads and Bhagvad Gita, he took efforts to spread the right teachings about Hinduism. In 1975, just before his death, he was honoured with the Templeton Prize, which he received for conveying “A universal reality of God that embraced love and wisdom for all people”. He donated the prize money to Oxford University.

A true gem of India, Dr. Radharishnan’s philosophies remain relevant even during modern times.

“The worst sinner has a future, even as the greatest saint has had a past. No one is so good or bad as he imagines.”

Birth Score – 4/5

Pride Score – 5/5

A quite impressive 9/10 Notable Brahmin Score.