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S. Radhakrishnan
सर्वपल्ली राधाकृष्णन
The philosopher-president — who gave the world the wisdom of Bhārat
Years
1888 – 1975
Known as
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan — philosopher, statesman, and President of Bhārat
Birthplace
Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu
Field
Scientists & Thinkers
“The end of education is not knowledge but wisdom — and the test of wisdom is love.”
— S. Radhakrishnan
The Story
Born in 1888 in Tiruttani, Radhakrishnan was a brilliant student of philosophy who, at the age of twenty-one, was appointed professor of philosophy at Presidency College, Madras. His mastery of both the traditions of Bhārat and the thought of the West made him one of the most respected philosophers of the age.
He carried the message of the philosophy of Bhārat to the world: he held the chair of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford, lectured across Europe and America, and his books — including Indian Philosophy and The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore — introduced the depth of Indian thought to the West. He argued that the philosophy of Bhārat was not a relic but a living wisdom for humanity.
He also served his nation: as a member of the Constituent Assembly, as India's ambassador to the Soviet Union, and as Vice-President and then President of the republic from 1962 to 1967. He died in 1975, honoured with the Bharat Ratna and with the love of a nation that celebrates his birthday as Teachers' Day.
Core Ideas
The Philosopher
One of the greatest philosophers of the modern age.
The Teacher
His birthday is celebrated as Teachers' Day.
The Ambassador of Wisdom
He carried the philosophy of Bhārat to the West.
The President
He served the republic from 1962 to 1967.
The Bridge
He united the thought of East and West.
Why it matters today
S. Radhakrishnan is honoured as the philosopher-president who gave the wisdom of Bhārat to the world. His books are still read, his birthday is celebrated as Teachers' Day across the land, and his life remains the proof that philosophy — the love of wisdom — is the highest service a citizen can offer the nation.