Teacher’s Day 2025: Honouring Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s Legacy in Education and Leadership

Syllabus: Person In News (UPSC Prelims)
Source: PIB

Context:

On 5 September 2025, President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his birth anniversary, which is also celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India.

Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

• Born on 5 September 1888 in Tirutani, Andhra Pradesh.
• A distinguished philosopher, scholar, teacher, and statesman.
• Served as India’s second President (1962–1967) and first Vice President (1952–1962).

Academic & Professional Journey

• Educated at Madras Christian College.
• Taught at Mysore and Calcutta Universities; later appointed Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford University.
• Known for explaining Indian philosophy to the world, especially Vedanta and comparative religion.
• Served as India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1949–1952) before taking up political office.

Contributions to India

• Strong supporter of education as a transformative force.
• Chaired the University Education Commission (1949) to reform higher education post-independence.
• Advocated religious pluralism and philosophical dialogue between cultures.
• Played a key role in guiding India during Cold War diplomacy as Vice President and President.

Significance

• His birth anniversary (5 September) is celebrated as Teacher’s Day to honour teachers’ role in society.
• Respected for his wisdom, scholarship, and leadership during India’s early years as a republic.
• Recognised as a bridge between Eastern and Western thought, promoting global understanding through his writings.