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Why is Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Famous? The Legacy of India’s 2nd President and the Story Behind Teacher’s Day
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why every year on September 5th, schools across India are filled with flowers, cards, and celebrations dedicated to teachers? The answer lies in the remarkable life of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a philosopher, teacher, statesman, and India’s second President. His birthday became more than just a date; it turned into a national tribute to all teachers who shape lives and futures.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is famous, explore his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most respected leaders, and uncover the heartfelt story of how Teacher’s Day was born. Along the way, we’ll also talk about practical ways you can celebrate Teacher’s Day and appreciate the mentors in your life.
1. Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a brilliant philosopher, teacher, and statesman who left a lasting mark on India’s history. Born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani (Tamil Nadu), he rose from a modest background to become one of the most celebrated scholars of his time.
He wasn’t just an academician—he was a bridge between Indian and Western thought. Imagine someone who could explain the depth of Indian philosophy to the world while still embracing modern ideas—that was Radhakrishnan.
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2. Early Life and Education
Radhakrishnan’s early life was humble. His father, though financially constrained, believed in the power of education. He studied at Christian Missionary institutions and developed a deep interest in philosophy. By the time he was in college, his professors recognized his brilliance.
At just 20 years old, he wrote his first thesis on Vedanta philosophy, which caught the attention of scholars globally. Education became his ladder, lifting him from a small-town boy to a world-renowned intellectual.
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3. Why is Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Famous?
He is famous for many reasons:
- Philosophical Brilliance: His works on Indian philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta, are still studied worldwide.
- Academic Excellence: He taught at prestigious institutions like Oxford and Calcutta University.
- Leadership: He became India’s first Vice-President and later its second President.
- Global Recognition: He represented India on the international stage, showing that Indian thought could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Western philosophy.
If India’s culture and intellect were a lamp, Radhakrishnan was the oil that kept it burning bright.
4. His Role as India’s 2nd President
Dr. Radhakrishnan became India’s second President (1962-1967) after serving as the first Vice-President. As President, he was admired for his humility and wisdom. Unlike many politicians, he was not driven by power but by purpose.
During his presidency, he often highlighted the role of education in nation-building. He believed that leaders are shaped in classrooms long before they step into political offices.
5. Why is Teacher’s Day Celebrated in India?
Teacher’s Day is celebrated in India to honor teachers for their role in shaping society. Teachers are compared to sculptors—they take raw stone (students) and carve out masterpieces (responsible citizens).
Globally, World Teacher’s Day is celebrated on October 5, but India chose September 5 for a very special reason: it is Dr. Radhakrishnan’s birthday.
6. Why Do We Celebrate His Birthday as Teacher’s Day?
Teacher’s Day in India has been celebrated since 1962.
That was the year when Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the 2nd President of India. When his students and friends wanted to celebrate his birthday, he humbly suggested:
"Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teacher’s Day."
From then on, the Government of India officially accepted his wish, and September 5 was recognized as Teacher’s Day across the country.
So to answer directly:
- Year of beginning: 1962
- Declared/Approved by: The Government of India, based on Dr. Radhakrishnan’s suggestion
Since then, every year on September 5, schools and institutions across India celebrate Teacher’s Day to honor the teaching community.
From that day forward, his birthday turned into a celebration of all teachers across India.
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7. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s Contribution to Education
- He emphasized the importance of teachers in society.
- Advocated for character-building through education, not just rote learning.
- Believed in blending Eastern wisdom with Western scientific outlook.
- Authored books like The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore and Eastern Religions and Western Thought.
His teachings still echo in classrooms today.
8. His Philosophy and Beliefs
Radhakrishnan believed that education should create not just professionals, but good human beings. He viewed religion as a way to unite humanity, not divide it.
He once compared a teacher to a gardener: just as a gardener nurtures seeds into blossoming flowers, a teacher nurtures young minds into enlightened individuals.
9. When Did He Get the Title ‘Dr’?
Radhakrishnan earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) for his thesis on The Ethics of the Vedanta and Its Metaphysical Presuppositions. This work was groundbreaking at the time and established him as a serious thinker in the academic world. Later, he received multiple honorary doctorates from universities across the globe.
10. How to Celebrate Teacher’s Day
Celebrating Teacher’s Day doesn’t need to be fancy. It’s about expressing gratitude. Some ideas include:
- Writing heartfelt letters or cards.
- Organizing cultural programs in schools.
- Giving small tokens of appreciation.
- Simply saying “thank you” with sincerity.
Remember, it’s the gesture, not the gift, that matters most.
11. Teacher’s Day in Schools and Colleges
In schools, students often dress up as teachers for a day—a playful way to show respect. Cultural performances, speeches, and even skits dedicated to teachers are common.
In colleges, it may include seminars, award ceremonies, or discussions on the importance of education. Everywhere, the spirit is the same: gratitude.
12. Modern Ways of Honoring Teachers
In today’s digital world, Teacher’s Day can be celebrated through:
- Online appreciation posts.
- Virtual greeting cards.
- Making video messages.
- Hosting webinars honoring teachers’ contributions.
Even a WhatsApp message saying, “You changed my life” can mean the world to a teacher.
13. Global Celebration of Teacher’s Day
While India celebrates on September 5, the UNESCO-declared World Teacher’s Day is observed on October 5. Countries around the world have different ways of celebrating, but the core idea remains the same—acknowledging the role of teachers in shaping society.
14. Lessons We Can Learn from Dr. Radhakrishnan
- Humility: Despite global fame, he remained grounded.
- Respect for Teachers: He reminded us that teachers are the true nation-builders.
- Balance: He showed us how to balance tradition with modernity.
- Service Before Self: Instead of celebrating himself, he chose to celebrate all teachers.
His life teaches us that true greatness lies not in personal glory, but in lifting others.
📅 Timeline of Teacher’s Day in India and Globally
1888 – Birth of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on September 5 in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu.
1920s–1950s – Dr. Radhakrishnan earns global fame as a philosopher and teacher. He teaches at Oxford, Calcutta University, and becomes Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University.
1949 – Dr. Radhakrishnan is appointed as India’s first Vice-President.
1962 – Dr. Radhakrishnan becomes the 2nd President of India.
- Students and friends approach him to celebrate his birthday.
- He suggests instead: “Celebrate it as Teacher’s Day to honor all teachers.”
- From 1962 onwards, Government of India officially declares September 5 as Teacher’s Day.
- 1962 (First Celebration) – The first Teacher’s Day is celebrated in India on September 5, 1962, across schools and educational institutions.
1994 – UNESCO declares October 5 as World Teacher’s Day, to recognize teachers’ roles globally.
Present Day –
- India continues to celebrate Teacher’s Day on September 5, honoring Dr. Radhakrishnan’s legacy.
- Many other countries celebrate World Teacher’s Day on October 5.
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15. Conclusion
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s legacy is like a lamp that continues to brighten India’s classrooms and hearts. He was not just a President or a philosopher—he was a teacher first, always. That’s why his birthday became Teacher’s Day—a day to honor those who shape minds and futures.
Next time you thank a teacher, remember you’re also paying tribute to Dr. Radhakrishnan, the man who turned his own birthday into a celebration for all educators.
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FAQs
1. Why is Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan famous?
He is famous as a philosopher, teacher, statesman, and India’s 2nd President. His works in philosophy and his role in promoting education made him legendary.
2. Who is India’s 2nd President?
India’s second President was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, serving from 1962 to 1967.
3. Why do we celebrate Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday as Teacher’s Day?
Because he requested that instead of celebrating his birthday, the nation should honor all teachers on that day.
4. How can we celebrate Teacher’s Day?
By expressing gratitude through cards, speeches, cultural programs, or even a simple “thank you.”
5. When did Dr. Radhakrishnan get his Doctorate?
He earned his Ph.D. in philosophy for his work on Vedanta and later received many honorary doctorates worldwide.
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