Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who said, ‘Celebrate Teachers’ Day, not my birthday’?

Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a great Indian philosopher, educationist and politician. he/she was born on 5 September 1888 in Tiruttani village of Tamil Nadu. he/she is also known as the first Vice President of India and the second President of the country. Radhakrishnan belonged to a simple family, but his/her education and thoughts made him/her a great scholar and teacher.

Education and career of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Radhakrishnan did his/her MA in Philosophy from Madras. After this, he/she started teaching and served as a Professor of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College, University of Mysore, and University of Calcutta. Later he/she became a Professor of Philosophy at Oxford University. his/her deep study and brilliance earned him/her an important place in Indian Philosophy.
Along with this, he/she also wrote books named ‘Indian Philosophy’, ‘Bhagavad Gita’ and ‘The Hindu View of Life’.

Political life of Dr. Radhakrishnan

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became India’s ambassador to the Soviet Union. After independence, Radhakrishnan entered politics and became the first Vice President of India in 1952. he/she then became the second President of India in 1962. During his/her tenure, special attention was given to education and culture. he/she was not actively involved in the freedom struggle, but his/her thoughts and writings contributed significantly to the Indian freedom struggle.

Philosophical views of Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophical views were based on a combination of Indian philosophy and Western philosophy. he/she emphasized on spiritualism and humanism. he/she considered education essential for the development of humanity.

Dr. Radhakrishnan: Honours and Legacy

Dr. Radhakrishnan was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954. he/she considered the importance of education and the contribution of teachers as the greatest in his/her life. he/she believed that teachers are the builders of the nation. Education, philosophical thoughts, and political contributions are his/her legacies. he/she is known as a great teacher, thinker, and leader who took education and culture to new heights in Indian society.

When Radhakrishnan said – ‘Celebrate Teachers’ Day on 5 September, not my birthday’

Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday is celebrated as Teacher’s Day on 5 September. There is a small story behind this too. When he/she became the President of India, some of his/her former students approached him/her to celebrate his/her birthday.

On this he/she said, ‘Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my good fortune if September 5 is celebrated as Teachers’ Day.’ Since then, September 5 is known as Teachers’ Day every year in India.