Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (5 September 1888 – 17 April 1975) was an Indian philosopher and statesman who served as the first Vice President of India (1952–1962) and the second President of India (1962–1967). One of the most influential interpreters of Indian philosophy to the Western world, he taught at Oxford and led major universities in India. His birthday, 5 September, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan |
| Born | 5 September 1888, Tiruttani, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu), India |
| Died | 17 April 1975, Madras (aged 86) |
| Offices | 2nd President of India (1962–1967); 1st Vice President (1952–1962) |
| Profession | Philosopher, professor, diplomat |
| Education | MA in Philosophy, Madras Christian College |
| Spouse | Sivakamu (d. 1956) |
| Son | Sarvepalli Gopal (historian) |
| Honours | Bharat Ratna (1954), Templeton Prize (1975) |
| Remembered on | 5 September, Teachers’ Day |
Early Life and Education
Radhakrishnan was born into a Telugu-speaking family in Tiruttani, near Madras. He studied on scholarships at mission schools and at Madras Christian College, where he earned a master’s degree in philosophy. His thesis defended the ethics of the Vedanta against Western criticism.
Academic Career
Radhakrishnan taught philosophy at Presidency College in Madras and at the University of Mysore. He then held the King George V Chair of Philosophy at the University of Calcutta. His two-volume Indian Philosophy (1923, 1927) and The Hindu View of Life won him international acclaim. From 1936 to 1952 he was Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford. He also served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and of Banaras Hindu University.
Public Life
After independence Radhakrishnan led India’s delegation to UNESCO and served as ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952, where he was respected even by Joseph Stalin.
In 1952 Radhakrishnan became India’s first Vice President, serving two terms under Jawaharlal Nehru‘s governments. In 1962 he was elected the second President of India. His term included the 1962 war with China, the deaths of Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri, and the 1965 war with Pakistan. When students asked to celebrate his birthday, he suggested they observe it as Teachers’ Day instead.
Personal Life and Death
Radhakrishnan married Sivakamu as a teenager, and they had five daughters and a son, the historian Sarvepalli Gopal. He died in Madras on 17 April 1975, weeks after being named winner of the Templeton Prize.
Awards and Honours
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan born?
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on 5 September 1888 in Tiruttani, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu), India.
When did Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan die?
Died: 17 April 1975, Madras (aged 86).
What honours has Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan received?
Bharat Ratna (1954), Templeton Prize (1975).
