Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975) was a renowned philosopher, teacher, and statesman who served as the second President of India (1962–1967) and the first Vice President (1952–1962). He was also India’s ambassador to the Soviet Union and Vice-Chancellor of leading universities like Banaras Hindu University and Andhra University. A celebrated scholar of Advaita Vedanta, Radhakrishnan defended Indian philosophy against Western criticism and helped shape modern understanding of Hinduism.

He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954 and knighted in 1931. His birthday, 5 September, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India to honor his belief that “teachers should be the best minds in the country.”