Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: The Philosopher President of India

A Legacy of Wisdom, Humility, and Vision

In the grand tapestry of India’s history, there are few figures who have so seamlessly blended scholarship with statesmanship, intellect with humility, and Eastern philosophy with Western thought. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, was one such remarkable individual — a thinker, teacher, philosopher, diplomat, and leader whose influence continues to shape India’s intellectual and moral fabric.

Early Life: From Humble Beginnings

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, a small town in Tamil Nadu, into a modest Telugu-speaking Brahmin family. Despite financial struggles, his family recognized the spark in young Radhakrishnan and supported his education. He studied in Tirupati and Vellore before enrolling at Madras Christian College, where he earned his degree and later a Master’s in Philosophy.

It was during his time in college that Radhakrishnan developed a deep interest in Indian philosophy. His thesis on Advaita Vedanta — a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy — earned him wide acclaim. Unlike many of his peers, Radhakrishnan was not content with simply reading texts; he wanted to interpret them, critique them, and show the world the depth of India’s spiritual traditions.

The Scholar Who Put Indian Philosophy on the World Map

In the early 20th century, Indian philosophy was often misunderstood or dismissed by the West as mystical or irrational. Radhakrishnan sought to change that. Through his writings and lectures, he presented Indian philosophy not just as a religious system, but as a sophisticated framework of ethical reasoning and metaphysical inquiry.

Some of his most influential works include:

• “Indian Philosophy” (Vol I & II) – A comprehensive and critical exposition of Indian thought.

   

• “The Hindu View of Life” – A concise and accessible look at Hinduism’s core principles.

   

• “Eastern Religions and Western Thought” – A cross-cultural study comparing the philosophies of East and West.

   

• “The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore” – One of the first academic treatments of Tagore’s philosophical ideas.

   

His scholarly contributions helped dispel stereotypes and earned him international respect, including appointments to prestigious academic positions abroad — most notably, as Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford University.

The Teacher India Reveres

Though he was an erudite philosopher and statesman, Dr. Radhakrishnan always considered himself a teacher first. He once said:

“Teachers should be the best minds in the country.”

This belief shaped his life and work. Students adored him for his passionate teaching style, deep insight, and personal humility. He made the classroom a space not just for learning facts, but for exploring the deeper questions of existence, morality, and human potential.

It is no surprise that when he became the President of India, his former students and admirers wanted to celebrate his birthday. But instead of receiving tributes, Radhakrishnan made a humble request: “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day.”

To this day, Teachers’ Day is celebrated across India every September 5, in his honor — a rare example of a national tribute that truly reflects the character of the person behind it.

Diplomatic & Political Career: A Philosopher in Power

Dr. Radhakrishnan was not a career politician, yet he rose to hold some of the most important positions in independent India. His entry into public service came naturally, as India’s founding leaders recognized the value of his intellect and moral clarity.

He served as:

• Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1949–1952) – A challenging role at the height of the Cold War, where he managed to build a strong diplomatic rapport with Soviet leaders.

   

• Vice President of India (1952–1962) – The first to hold the post after it was created.

   

• President of India (1962–1967) – Succeeding Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Radhakrishnan became India’s second President and served during a critical time, including the Indo-China War of 1962.

   

Even in these high offices, he never lost his grounding in philosophy. His speeches were often laced with references to the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Western philosophers like Plato, Kant, and Hegel. He believed in the idea of Dharma (righteous duty) — that governance must be grounded in ethics and guided by moral responsibility.

His Thoughts on Religion and Spirituality

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophical outlook was not confined to one tradition. He believed that all religions sought the same ultimate truth and that spirituality was not about dogma, but about transformation. He was a champion of interfaith harmony, and his life embodied the essence of India’s secular and pluralistic values.

In his words:

“Religion is not a matter of dogma, but of inner realization and spiritual experience.”

This universal approach helped him communicate Indian thought to the West without compromising its authenticity.

Awards, Honors, and Legacy

Over his lifetime, Dr. Radhakrishnan received numerous accolades:

• Bharat Ratna (1954) – India’s highest civilian award.

   

• Knighthood (1931) – Conferred by the British before India’s independence (which he stopped using after 1947).

   

• Honorary memberships and Doctorates from several universities worldwide.

   

But perhaps his greatest legacy is intangible: the values he stood for — knowledge, humility, integrity, and the power of education.

Final Years and Passing

After his term as President, Dr. Radhakrishnan retired from public life but continued to write and reflect. He passed away on April 17, 1975, leaving behind a nation that had come to deeply admire him not just for his intellect, but for his character.

Conclusion: More Than a Leader

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was more than India’s second President. He was a torchbearer of wisdom, a defender of Indian philosophy, and a teacher to the world. His life is a powerful reminder that leadership grounded in thought, compassion, and education can elevate an entire society.

On every Teachers’ Day, when we honor the mentors and educators in our lives, we are also honoring the ideals of Dr. Radhakrishnan — a man who showed that knowledge is the highest form of service, and that true power lies in guiding others toward truth and understanding.

“Books are the means by which we build bridges between cultures.”
— Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan