Teachers' Day: The Life, Career and Legacy of Dr S Radhakrishnan

Teachers' Day 2026 will be celebrated in India on September 5, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a highly revered Indian philosopher, educator and statesman. Dr Radhakrishnan was India's first Vice-President between 1952 and 1962 and later the country's second President between 1962 and 1967. His contribution to philosophy and education is greatly appreciated by generations of students and teachers, and his journey from a humble background to the highest constitutional authority in India reflects his dedication to learning, teaching and intellectual excellence.

Early Life and Education

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, in Madras Presidency, India, to a Telugu-speaking family. His father, Sarvepalli Veeraswami, worked as a sub-revenue officer in the government. Radhakrishnan attended different schools in Tiruttani and Tirupati before studying further at Madras Christian College, where he earned both his BA and MA degrees in philosophy.

Personal Life

In 1903, Radhakrishnan married Sivakamu, and the couple had five children. Among his children was Sarvepalli Gopal, who became a renowned historian and biographer. Though Radhakrishnan went on to hold the highest constitutional posts in India, he is still remembered most as a teacher and philosopher.

Teaching Career as a Professor

Once his education was complete, Radhakrishnan began his career as a professor, teaching philosophy at several renowned educational institutions, which brought him international acclaim for his scholarly work. He served as a professor at institutions including Madras Presidency College and the University of Mysore, and later as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University. His affiliation with Oxford and other international institutions also helped him gain recognition as a scholar on the international stage.

From Teacher to Vice-President and President of India

Radhakrishnan's career eventually extended from academia into politics. After independence, he represented India in international organisations and served as India's representative to UNESCO, and his contributions in both diplomacy and intellectual life helped him gain popularity as a statesman and scholar. In 1952, he became the first Vice-President of independent India, serving two consecutive terms, and in 1962 he became the second President of India, succeeding Dr Rajendra Prasad. He held the office of President from 1962 to 1967, remaining linked to education, philosophy and intellectual debate even while in politics.

Contributions to Education and Philosophy

According to Radhakrishnan, education must develop both the intelligence and the morals of an individual, and his philosophy placed high regard on critical thinking, ethics and deep insight into human life. His contribution to philosophy included introducing Indian philosophies to the Western world, writing on subjects such as Hindu philosophy, comparative religions and the connections between Eastern and Western philosophies. Some of his most important works include Indian Philosophy, Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore, Hindu View of Life, Idealist View of Life, and Eastern Religions and Western Thought.

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and the Bharat Ratna

In 1954, Radhakrishnan was conferred the prestigious Bharat Ratna, one of India's highest civilian awards, in recognition of his vast contributions to philosophy, education and public affairs. His academic contribution was also recognised internationally; according to Nobel Prize nomination records, Radhakrishnan was nominated several times for the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Nobel Peace Prize during his lifetime.