Dr Radhakrishnan: The Best Teacher, Philosopher And Mentor

“A good teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself to light the way for other.”

The quote is apt for Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the best teacher, philosopher and mentor India had. We have been celebrating his birthday, September 5, as Teachers Day across the nation since 1962. The humble suggestion came from Dr Radhakrishnan himself at a time when he was the president of the country. He asked his students and friends, who were seeking permission to celebrate his birthday, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if 5 September is observed as Teachers' Day."

Dr Radhakrishnan’s journey from a small village at the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, to the President of India, is quiet an interesting one. Let’s take a look.

His Early Days As The Educator

After pursing MA degree in Philosophy in 1908, the charismatic leader was appointed as a faculty member by the Department of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College. Radhakrishna’s only aim was to impart students with the best education. He kept moving from one institution to another, moulding students into better human beings.

He was such a great teacher that his students loved and respected him immensely. One incident that testifies the fact: His students arranged for a flower-decked carriage and pulled it themselves to drop their best teacher till the railway station, when he had decided to leave Mysore University, which he had joined in 1918, to join as a professor in Calcutta.

The Writer & Social Activist

His plethora of knowledge was not just confined to the four walls of these institutions, rather it reflected in many newspaper and journal of repute, wherein he used to contribute by writing columns. Radhakrishnan is also the author of renowned books: ‘The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore’ and ‘The Reign of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy.’

Not to forget, the great philosopher was the one to represent University of Calcutta at Congress of Universities of the British Empire in June 1926 and also at International Congress of Philosophy at Harvard University in September 1926.

Dr Radhakrishnan Tryst with Indian Politics

The years when India was struggling to free itself from the shackles of Britishers, Radhakrishnan played an active role not only in the Indian politics but in international affairs, too. Many have regarded him as the bridge-builder between India and the West.

In 1949, the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, seeing the persona of Radhakrishnan, appointed him as the Indian Ambassador to Moscow. This post remained with him until 1952 and provided him an opportunity to showcase his own philosophical-political ideals, which helped him enter the Rajya Sabha. The Upper House of the Indian Parliament paved the way to success for Radhakrishnan and since then he didn’t look back. He was elected as the first vice-president of India in year 1952 and in year 1962, he became the second president of India.

From The Heart

Dr Radhakrishnan will always remain as an inspiration for not only the students but also the educators. He had a firm believe that a good teacher can guide his students to highest success in life and that is why he said, "Teachers should be the best minds in the country". Seeing the current situation visible in most of the schools across the country, the only question that arises is that will there ever be a teacher like Dr Radhakrishnan, who not only gained respect from his students but also selflessly helped them become better citizens of India.