September 5 marks the celebration of Teacher’s Day every year to honour the efforts and invaluable role of teachers in shaping society. The date also marks the birthday of Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned philosopher, scholar, the first Vice President, and second President of India.
Origin of the ‘Teacher’s Day’
Dr Radhakrishnan valued education and the profession of teaching deeply. Once, a student asked him if he would like to celebrate his birthday; he gently replied that his birthday should instead be observed as Teacher’s Day.
Since 1962, the nation has celebrated the day to honour the dedication and guidance of teachers across the world on September 5.
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Dr Radhakrishnan’s Academic Journey
Dr Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu. He pursued philosophy at Christian College, Madras.
He started his academic career at the University of Mysore. Later, he got subsequent appointments at the University of Calcutta. he also held Vice-Chancellor positions at Andhra University. Banaras Hindu University and Delhi University.
Awards and Recognition
His influence reached global platforms as well. He was the first Indin appointed Spalding Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at the University of Oxford (1936-1952) and also delivered lectures at the University of Chicago. In 1948, he led the Indian delegation to UNESCO and later became Chairman of its Executive Boards.
Dr Radhakrishnan’s leadership extended into politics as he became India’s first Vice President in 1952 and President in 1962. For his remarkable contributions, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
He was nominated 27 times for the Nobel Prize, 16 times for Literature and 11 times for Peace. His celebrated works include Indian Philosophy, The Philosophy of the Upanishads, and An Idealist View of Life.
