September 5 – the day which is celebrated as Teachers’ Day all over India – is celebrated with pomp and fervor in schools, colleges and all educational institutions.
The day commemorates the memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a Bharat Ratna recipient, the first Vice President and second President of independent India, who was born on this day in 1888. This day is dedicated to all the teachers and their contributions in shaping one’s life.
A respected academician, Radhakrishnan was one of India’s most distinguished twentieth-century scholars. The author of ‘The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore’ had a master’s degree in philosophy and was responsible for attracting global attention to Indian philosophy.
Significance of Teacher’s Day
Teachers’ Day aims to value and acknowledge the contribution of all the teachers in shaping one’s life. This is the day when the students honour their teachers for their hard work and endless contribution to their educational life.
Facts about Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:
-Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was one of India’s most illustrious scholars of the 20th century. His book, ‘The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore’ attracted global attention to Indian philosophy.
-Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was India’s first Vice President from 1952-1962 and as India’s second President from 1962-1967.
-Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophy was grounded in Advaita Vedanta.
– Dr. Radhakrishnan defended Hinduism against ‘uninformed Western criticism’ and played a major role in the formation of contemporary Hindu identity and earned the reputation of being the bridge-builder between India and the West.
-Dr. Radhakrishnan was one of the founders of Help Age India, a renowned NGO for underprivileged elderly people in India.
Awards won by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:
-Dr. Radhakrishnan was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.
– Dr. Radhakrishnan was awarded several other distinguished awards as well as a knighthood in 1931 and honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963.
-Dr. Radhakrishnan was nominated 27 times for the Nobel Prize, 16 times for literature and 11 times for Peace.
PNN