Radhakrishnan

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher and statesman who served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. Born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, he was a distinguished scholar and a prolific writer on Indian philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta. He received his education at Christian Missionary institutions and Madras Christian College, where he developed a deep understanding of both Western and Eastern philosophical traditions.

Radhakrishnan's philosophical work focused on reconciling Indian thought with Western philosophy and advocating for a universal ethical framework. He held professorships at various prestigious universities, including Mysore University, Calcutta University, Oxford University, and Banaras Hindu University. His most notable works include "The Philosophy of the Upanishads," "Indian Philosophy," and "The Principal Upanishads."

Beyond his academic career, Radhakrishnan played a significant role in Indian politics and international diplomacy. He served as India's Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952 and was the Vice-President of India from 1952 to 1962 before becoming President. His presidency coincided with critical periods in India's history, including the Sino-Indian War. He passed away on April 17, 1975. His birthday, September 5, is celebrated annually in India as Teacher's Day in his honor.