Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Philosopher, Educator, Statesman
Philosopher, Educator, Statesman

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Born 5 September 1888 · Tamil Nadu — Died 17 April 1975

Serving as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian academic, philosopher and statesman who served as the Vice President of India from 1952 to 1962 and President of India from 1962 to 1967. He was the ambassador of India to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. He was also the vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948 and the vice-chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936. Radhakrishnan is considered one of the most influential and distinguished 20th century scholars of comparative religion and philosophy, he held the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Calcutta from 1921 to 1932 and Spalding Chair of Eastern Religion and Ethics at University of Oxford from 1936 to 1952.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Radhakrishnan chose to study philosophy mainly because his cousin passed him free philosophy textbooks, despite his initial wish to study mathematics.

The Story

1
In 1921, at the University of Calcutta, Radhakrishnan took the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science, marking the start of his influential academic tenure in Indian philosophy.
2
🌍 Between 1936 and 1952, he held the Spalding Chair of Eastern Religion and Ethics at Oxford University, becoming a key figure introducing Hindu philosophy to Western academia.
3From 1939 to 1948, he was vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, where he shaped educational policies during a critical pre- and post-independence period.
4🕊️ In 1949, Radhakrishnan was appointed India’s ambassador to the Soviet Union, serving until 1952 and navigating complex Cold War diplomatic relations.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1954
Bharat Ratna

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Radhakrishnan served as the ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952, a key diplomatic post during early Cold War tensions, linking India with a major global power.

🖼️

Through the Years

5 photographs from the archives
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan with Jawaharlal Nehru returning from Orissa visit (1956).
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan with Jawaharlal Nehru returning from Orissa visit (1956).
1956
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan with Jawaharlal Nehru and others after a function (1957).
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan with Pr. Dr. Kok at Tropenmuseum in 1961.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan photographed at Tropenmuseum during a visit in 1961.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan at luncheon with Jacqueline Kennedy in New Delhi (1962).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born into a Telugu Niyogi Brahmin family in Tiruttani, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu).
1888
📚
Education
Graduated Madras Christian College
Completed his undergraduate studies at Madras Christian College, initially wishing to study mathematics but switching to philosophy.
1907
⚡
Career
King George V Chair at Calcutta University
Appointed to the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science, marking his rise as a leading philosopher.
1921
⚡
Career
Spalding Chair at Oxford University
Became professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at Oxford, where he worked until 1952.
1936
⚡
Career
Ambassador to the Soviet Union
Served as India’s ambassador in Moscow during early Cold War years until 1952.
1949
⚡
Career
First Vice President of India
Elected as the first Vice President of independent India, serving until 1962.
1952
⚡
Career
Elected President of India
Succeeded Rajendra Prasad as the second President, serving a full five-year term.
1962
🕊️
Death
Death in Madras
Passed away in Madras (now Chennai), leaving behind a legacy in philosophy and education.
1975
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

He was awarded a knighthood in 1931, before India’s independence, reflecting British recognition of his scholarly contributions.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Despite being a philosopher, Radhakrishnan’s original academic interest was mathematics, which he set aside due to financial constraints and access to free philosophy books.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He was the first Vice President of independent India, serving from 1952 to 1962, a role that positioned him as a bridge between academia and politics.

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

— Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Speech of Dr. S Radhakrishnan | AIR
More from this archive
Speech of Dr. S Radhakrishnan | AIR
01
Speech of Dr. S Radhakrishnan | AIR
Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan | Teachers Day | Birth Anniversary
02
Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan | Teachers Day | Birth Anniversary

🌱 What changed because of them

Radhakrishnan’s tenure as Vice Chancellor at major Indian universities modernized their curricula and integrated Indian philosophical thought with global academia. His diplomatic role in the Soviet Union and leadership as Vice President and President helped shape India’s international identity during the Cold War era. His birthday became Teachers' Day in India, inspiring generations to value education deeply.

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