From the classroom to Rashtrapati Bhavan, his life was a lesson in intellect, humility, and nation-building
On September 5, 1888, in the small temple town of Tiruttani in Tamil Nadu, a boy was born who would later embody the very spirit of India's intellectual and moral tradition. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, revered as a teacher, philosopher, and statesman, rose from humble beginnings to become the second President of India.
His birthday, now celebrated as Teachers' Day, remains a tribute to the lasting influence of a man who believed education was the foundation of national progress.
Here are some lesser-known but fascinating aspects of his remarkable journey.
While his father hoped he would become a temple priest, Radhakrishnan pursued higher studies through scholarships. Initially interested in the sciences, he chose philosophy for his master's degree only because a cousin provided him with free textbooks.
What started as an accident soon developed into a lifelong passion. His writings on Vedanta and comparative philosophy ultimately introduced Indian thought to Western audiences.
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Students pulled a farewell
In 1921, as Radhakrishnan departed from Mysore's Maharaja College, he received a farewell like no other. His students placed him in a horse-drawn cart—without any horses in sight.
Instead, they pulled the cart all the way to the railway station themselves, a heartfelt gesture that reflected the devotion he inspired as a teacher.
While teaching in Calcutta, he developed a close connection with Rabindranath Tagore. Deeply influenced by the poet's outlook, his first book focused on Tagore's philosophy, which he considered the purest expression of the Indian spirit.
Later, as a lecturer abroad, he regularly used his platform to promote India's intellectual heritage and its fight for independence.
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As ambassador to Moscow from 1949 to 1953, Radhakrishnan played a crucial role in strengthening Indo-Soviet relations during the height of the Cold War. Unlike his predecessor, who was overlooked, Radhakrishnan was granted an audience with Joseph Stalin.
His clarity, composure, and philosophical reasoning left a lasting impression, helping to secure Soviet support for India on key issues, such as Kashmir.
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In 1957, while visiting China as Vice President, Radhakrishnan met Mao Zedong. Known for his intellectual candour, he approached even the most formidable leaders with disarming simplicity.
His ability to engage leaders—from Stalin to Mao—showcased his blend of scholarship and statesmanship, bridging cultural divides with wit and wisdom.
Though often mistaken for a stern academic, Radhakrishnan was known for his subtle humour. When welcoming the King of Greece in 1962, he reminded his guest that Alexander the Great had once arrived in India without an invitation.
Such anecdotes highlight his ability to blend seriousness with charm, even in the formal corridors of diplomacy.
Credit: CMI Times
When he became President in 1962, philosopher Bertrand Russell called it “an honour to philosophy itself.” Radhakrishnan's tenure was marked by turbulent times—two wars and the deaths of two Prime Ministers—but his calm wisdom steadied the nation.
Symbolically, he accepted only a quarter of his salary and donated the rest to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, living as simply as he had always taught.
Credit: Indian Express
Between 1933 and 1937, Radhakrishnan’s name frequently appeared in nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Although he never received it, his contributions earned him the Bharat Ratna in 1954, a knighthood in 1931, and honorary membership in some of the world's most prestigious academies.
His Templeton Prize in 1975 was entirely donated to Oxford University—an ultimate act of generosity that reflected his lifelong belief in the transformative power of education.
