Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tamil Nadu, India. He was a philosopher, statesman, and one of India’s most distinguished 20th-century scholars of comparative religion and philosophy. Radhakrishnan served as the first Vice President and the second President of India. He was a professor at several prestigious universities and represented India at UNESCO and other international platforms. He passed away on April 17, 1975.
Key Teachings
- Advaita Vedanta: He was a proponent of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).
- Comparative Religion: He believed in the underlying unity of all religions and promoted interfaith understanding.
- Spiritual Education: He emphasized the role of education in the moral and spiritual development of individuals and societies.
- “Indian Philosophy” (2 volumes)
“The Philosophy of the Upanishads”
“Eastern Religions and Western Thought”
- “An Idealist View of Life”
- “The Principal Upanishads”
“The true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves.”
“Hinduism is not just a faith. It is the union of reason and intuition that cannot be defined but is only to be experienced.”
“Man is a paradoxical being—the constant glory and scandal of this world.”
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s contributions to philosophy and education have left an enduring legacy. His works have been instrumental in bridging the gap between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. He played a crucial role in presenting Indian philosophy on the world stage and was a respected ambassador of Indian culture and thought. His birthday is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India, honoring his belief in the transformative power of education.