Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: Remembering the First Bharat Ratna and Former President on 43th Death Anniversary

New Delhi, April 17: Today marks the 43rd death anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who passed away on April 1975. The Indian statesman, philosopher, scholar and first vice-president of the republic of India is also remembered as a legendary teacher. He was also the second President of India. He was an authority on religion, vedas and the holy texts of Hinduism and several religion. He was the professor of philosophy in the prestigious University of Mysore and also taught at the University of Oxford as professor of Eastern Religion. Radhakrishnan was one of the most respected politicians and statesman of his and all times. He was awarded knighthood in the year 1931 and became the first recipient of the prestigious Bharat Ratna Award in 1954. It was Dr Radhakrishnan's statement that the best minds in country should become teachers. His birthday is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India on 5 September.

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born into a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family in Madras Presidency as the region was then known. His father was a revenue official who served a local landlord. Radhakrishnan was always a bright student and received scholarships even at an early age. He graduated from the Madras Christian College and earned an MA degree in Philosophy from the university. Dr. Radhakrishnan's thesis for the MA degree was titled "The Ethics of the Vedanta and its Metaphysical Presuppositions".

Some memorable quotes by Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:

"It is not God that is worshipped but the authority that claims to speak in His name. Sin becomes disobedience to authority not violation of integrity."

"Reading a book gives us the habit of solitary reflection and true enjoyment."

"When we think we know, we cease to learn."

"A literary genius, it is said, resembles all, though no one resembles him."

"There is nothing wonderful in my saying that Jainism was in existence long before the Vedas were composed."

"A life of joy and happiness is possible only on the basis of knowledge and science.”

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was inspired by Swami Vivekanand and "was deeply hurt by the treatment accorded to Hinduism in missionary institutions," and resolved to bring out the best in Hinduism to the world. In the process, he created a vast and astonishing literature about the Indian philosophy. His scholarship can be gauged from the fact that he was nominated fifteen times for the Nobel prize in literature, and eleven times for the Nobel Peace prize. India can pay a true tribute to him by improving its education system and ensuring that everybody gets a chance to education.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 17, 2018 12:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).