Biography of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1962–1967)
Early Life and Education : Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a small village called Thiruttani, near Madras (now Chennai), in what was then the Madras Presidency of British India. He belonged to a humble and traditional Brahmin family. His father, Sarvepalli Veeraswamy, worked as a subordinate revenue officer in the service of the local zamindar, while his mother, Sitamma, was a devout and religious woman. The values of piety, spirituality, and learning were instilled in Radhakrishnan from an early age, shaping his intellectual and moral outlook.
Radhakrishnan’s early education took place in nearby Tirupati and later at the Madras Christian College, where he pursued a Bachelor’s and later a Master’s degree in Philosophy. It was during his time at the college that Radhakrishnan’s interest in philosophy flourished. Fascinated by the teachings of both Western and Eastern philosophers, he began to explore how Indian philosophy could contribute to global philosophical discourses. His thesis on “The Ethics of the Vedanta and Its Metaphysical Presuppositions” was a seminal work that laid the foundation for his future intellectual pursuits.
Radhakrishnan's academic brilliance earned him a professorship at the University of Mysore, and later, at the University of Calcutta, where he further established his reputation as a world-class scholar. His deep knowledge of Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta, combined with his understanding of Western philosophical traditions, set him apart as one of the most respected thinkers of his time.
Philosophical Contributions and Academic Career
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s scholarly work is regarded as pioneering in the field of comparative religion and philosophy. His intellectual career was devoted to interpreting Indian philosophy, particularly Vedanta, for the modern world and for Western audiences. His writings highlighted the rich and profound nature of India’s spiritual heritage and demonstrated how it could engage with contemporary philosophical issues.
Among his most notable works are Indian Philosophy (1923), a comprehensive account of India’s spiritual traditions, and The Philosophy of the Upanishads (1924), which delved deeply into one of Hinduism’s foundational texts. Radhakrishnan’s philosophical approach sought to harmonize Indian spirituality with Western philosophical inquiry, emphasizing that both systems of thought could coexist and offer valuable insights to humanity.
In addition to his contributions to Indian philosophy, Radhakrishnan was also a strong advocate for education. He believed that education should not merely be a means of earning a livelihood, but a way to cultivate character, morality, and the pursuit of truth. His passion for education and human values later became central to his role as a national leader.
Radhakrishnan held prestigious academic positions throughout his career. He served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and was a member of various international academic bodies. His intellectual prominence on the global stage made him a sought-after speaker and representative of Indian culture and philosophy, gaining admiration from scholars worldwide.
Diplomatic Roles and Vice-Presidency
In the years leading up to India’s independence in 1947, Radhakrishnan began to play an increasingly prominent role in public life. His stature as a philosopher and intellectual made him an ideal representative for India on the international stage. In 1946, Radhakrishnan was appointed as India's ambassador to UNESCO, where he worked to promote intercultural understanding and education as tools for peace. In 1949, he was named India’s ambassador to the Soviet Union, where his diplomatic skills were put to the test in managing relations with the communist bloc during the early years of the Cold War.
Radhakrishnan’s tenure in Moscow was marked by a deep understanding of Soviet politics and culture. His ability to navigate the complexities of Indo-Soviet relations during a time of global tension and ideological rivalry earned him respect from both Indian and Soviet leaders. His diplomatic service enhanced India’s image as a neutral but influential player on the world stage.
In 1952, following the adoption of the Indian Constitution and the establishment of the Republic of India, Radhakrishnan was elected as the country’s first Vice-President. In this role, he continued to promote education and international peace. He also chaired the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the upper house of India’s Parliament, where his wisdom and intellectual clarity helped guide legislative debates and foster political stability.
Presidency (1962–1967)
In 1962, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was elected as the second President of India, succeeding Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Radhakrishnan’s election as President marked a continuation of the tradition of elevating highly respected public figures to the highest constitutional office in the country. Unlike his predecessor, Radhakrishnan was not a freedom fighter but a philosopher and statesman whose reputation was built on his intellectual and diplomatic achievements.
As President, Radhakrishnan brought a unique blend of scholarship, moral authority, and statesmanship to the role. He was widely admired for his simplicity and humility, often emphasizing that the office of the President was one of service to the nation rather than power. His presidency spanned five critical years (1962–1967), during which India faced several internal and external challenges, including the Sino-Indian War of 1962, political instability, and economic difficulties.
Major Events During His Presidency
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Sino-Indian War (1962): One of the most significant events during Radhakrishnan’s presidency was the Sino-Indian War of 1962, a brief but intense border conflict between India and China. The war resulted in a humiliating defeat for India and exposed serious weaknesses in the country’s defense preparedness. Radhakrishnan, though largely a ceremonial head of state, did not shy away from speaking out. He openly criticized the Indian government’s handling of the situation, particularly Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s failure to anticipate Chinese aggression. Radhakrishnan’s public statements reflected his concern for the nation’s security and his belief in the importance of strong leadership in times of crisis.
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Political Instability: Radhakrishnan’s presidency coincided with a period of political transition in India. In 1964, Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister and a close ally of Radhakrishnan, passed away. This was a momentous event in Indian politics, as Nehru had been the dominant political figure since independence. Radhakrishnan’s role as President became particularly important during this time as he worked to ensure a smooth transition of power. Lal Bahadur Shastri succeeded Nehru as Prime Minister, and Radhakrishnan offered his full support to Shastri’s government.
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Death of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Rise of Indira Gandhi (1966): Another critical moment during Radhakrishnan’s presidency was the sudden death of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966, shortly after signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistan. The untimely demise of Shastri created a political vacuum that was filled by Indira Gandhi, Nehru’s daughter. As President, Radhakrishnan played a stabilizing role during this transition, ensuring that the process of selecting a new Prime Minister was conducted in accordance with democratic principles.
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Cold War and Non-Alignment: Radhakrishnan’s presidency occurred during the height of the Cold War, and India’s foreign policy of non-alignment was put to the test. Though the role of the President in shaping foreign policy was limited, Radhakrishnan’s influence as a respected global figure helped reinforce India’s stance as a non-aligned nation. His intellectual contributions to global peace and diplomacy further cemented India’s role as a mediator in international conflicts.
Contributions to Education and Human Values
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s legacy as an educator remained a central theme throughout his presidency. He often spoke about the importance of education in nation-building and the need for moral and ethical education to accompany intellectual growth. His advocacy for education was not just limited to India; he consistently promoted the idea of education as a global good, emphasizing its role in fostering peace, tolerance, and international cooperation.
One of Radhakrishnan’s most enduring legacies is the celebration of his birthday, September 5, as Teacher’s Day in India. This day is dedicated to honoring the contributions of teachers, reflecting Radhakrishnan’s lifelong commitment to education and his belief in the transformative power of learning.
Personal Life and Philosophical Vision
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s personal life was as simple and principled as his public life. He married Sivakamu, a distant cousin, in 1903, and the couple had five daughters and one son. Despite his busy academic and public life, Radhakrishnan remained deeply connected to his family and maintained a simple lifestyle, consistent with the values he espoused as a philosopher.
Radhakrishnan’s philosophical vision was centered on the idea of a spiritual democracy, where material progress was balanced with spiritual growth. He believed that India, with its rich spiritual heritage, had a unique role to play in promoting peace, harmony, and understanding in a world divided by materialism and ideological conflict. His writings emphasized the unity of all religions and the need for humanity to transcend narrow sectarianism in favor of universal brotherhood.
Retirement and Legacy
After completing his term as President in 1967, Dr. Radhakrishnan retired from public life. However, he continued to write and engage in intellectual pursuits until his death on April 17, 1975, at the age of 86. His passing was mourned by the nation and by the global intellectual community, who regarded him as one of the great philosophers of the 20th century.
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s legacy as a philosopher, educator, and statesman endures to this day. His contributions to Indian philosophy, his promotion of education, and his moral leadership as President have left an indelible mark on the history of India. He is remembered not only as a scholar but also as a wise and compassionate leader who helped guide India through a crucial period of its post-independence history.
His birthday continues to be celebrated as Teacher’s Day, and his philosophical works remain essential reading for those interested in Indian thought and the intersection of Eastern and Western philosophies. As one of India’s most respected Presidents, Radhakrishnan exemplified the ideal of a leader who combined intellectual brilliance with moral integrity.
Sangam Shakya 
