Teachers' Day 2024: A look at ex-President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's life

Teachers Day 2024 is observed on September 5 in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of the second President of India Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan a visionary who dedicated his life to educationRead on to know some interesting facts about Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on Teachers Day 2024Dr Radhakrishnan was one of Indias most respected scholars and statesmen and also served as the countryrsquos first VicePresident before becoming the first citizen in 1962Born on this day in 1888 in Tamil Nadu Dr Radhakrishnan was academically gifted and his educational journey set the foundation for his illustrious career After his primary education in Thiruttani a small village in Tamil Nadu he attended Christian College in Madras now Chennai where he earned degrees in philosophy During his college years Dr Radhakrishnan developed a deep interest in the works of Western philosophers particularly Plato and Hegel as well as Indian philosophy including the Upanishads Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual texts His renowned work The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore and his treatise The Hindu View of Life were instrumental in showcasing Indias rich spiritual heritage to global audiencesDr Radhakrishnan began his teaching career as a professor at various prestigious institutions including the University of Calcutta and the University of Oxford where he was appointed as the first Indian to hold a professorship He also served as the ViceChancellor of Andhra University and later as the ViceChancellor of Banaras Hindu University His contributions to academia earned him widespread recognition and he soon became a respected figure in global intellectual circlesIndias first VicePresidentIn the Indian polity Dr Radhakrishnan served as the countrys VicePresident from 1952 to 1962 and as the second President from 1962 to 1967 His leadership in both the roles was marked by his efforts to strengthen Indias democratic institutions and promote education and intellectual development Despite his highranking political positions Dr Radhakrishnan remained deeply connected to teachingDr Radhakrishnan proposed that instead of celebrating his birthday his students and those in the rest of the country must dedicate the day to all the teachers for their crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations On Teachers Day 2024 students exhibit their love and respect for their educators who take them from the path of darkness to light