Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a renowned Indian philosopher, scholar, and statesman who served as India’s first Vice President and second President. Born on September 5, 1888, he was a towering intellectual figure who dedicated his life to education and the dissemination of knowledge.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was a distinguished professor and an advocate for the importance of learning, believing that teachers are the cornerstone of society. His birthday is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India to honor his contributions to education.
Through his writings and teachings, he emphasized the importance of bridging cultural and religious divides, promoting understanding and tolerance. His legacy continues to inspire educators and students alike, embodying the ideals of wisdom, humility, and service to humanity.
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tamil Nadu, India.
- He was a distinguished philosopher, scholar, and educator.
- Dr. Radhakrishnan served as India’s first Vice President and second President.
- He was a professor of philosophy at prestigious institutions like Oxford University.
- His birthday is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India to honor his contributions to education.
- Dr. Radhakrishnan believed that teachers are the foundation of society.
- He was known for promoting understanding and tolerance between different cultures and religions.
- He wrote extensively on philosophy, particularly on Hinduism and the relationship between religion and society.
- Dr. Radhakrishnan was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.
- His legacy continues to inspire educators and students across the world.
Inspirational Quotes by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Some inspirational quotes by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President and second President, who was also a distinguished philosopher and educator:
“When we think we know, we cease to learn.”
“The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.”
“Teachers should be the best minds in the country.”
“Books are the means by which we build bridges between cultures.”
“A life of joy and happiness is possible only on the basis of knowledge and science.”
“The true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves.”
“Tolerance is the homage which the finite mind pays to the inexhaustibility of the infinite.”
“Knowledge gives us power; love gives us the fullness.”
“Man is a paradoxical being—the constant glory and scandal of this world.”
“The aim of education is not the acquisition of information, although important, or acquisition of technical skills, though essential in modern society, but the development of that bent of mind, that attitude of reason, that spirit of democracy which will make us responsible citizens.”
These quotes reflect Dr. Radhakrishnan’s deep commitment to education, philosophy, and the importance of critical thinking and cultural understanding.
Story Behind Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Teachers Day
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a distinguished philosopher, educator, and statesman, is the reason we celebrate Teacher’s Day in India on September 5th each year. When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of India, some of his students and friends requested to celebrate his birthday. In response, he suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, it would be more meaningful to observe September 5th as Teacher’s Day to honor the immense contributions of teachers to society.
This gesture reflects his deep respect for the teaching profession and his belief that teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation. Since then, Teacher’s Day has been celebrated across India as a day of gratitude and recognition for teachers, drawing inspiration from Dr. Radhakrishnan’s life and ideals.