Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (5 September 1888 - April 1975) was an Indian philosopher and statesman who served as the second President of India from 13 May 1962 to 13 May 1967. He was also India’s first Vice President (1952 - 1962) and earlier worked as a professor and university leader. (President of India)

  • Died: 16 – 17 April 1975, Madras (now Chennai) (sources differ by one day) (Encyclopedia Britannica)
  • Party/Alliance: Independent / non-partisan (Wikipedia)
  • Education (officially listed): M.A and multiple honorary doctorates/titles (as per official profile) (Vice President of India)
  • Profession before politics: Academic, philosopher, professor, and university administrator (President of India)

Overview

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is widely known for bridging academic life and public service. Before becoming President, he served as India’s first Vice President and represented India internationally, including as Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1949 - 1952). He is also remembered for his long academic career and writings on Indian philosophy and comparative religion. (President of India)

Early life and education

Radhakrishnan was born on 5 September 1888. Britannica identifies his birthplace as Tiruttani, India (present-day Tamil Nadu). Official summaries also describe his early education and academic path, including studies in Madras and later major roles in higher education.

Profession before politics

Before entering high constitutional office, he was best known as a teacher and scholar. He served as a professor and held leadership roles in universities, including vice-chancellor positions in Andhra University (1931 - 1936) and Banaras Hindu University (1939 - 1948). (Vice President of India)

Political career and key roles

Key positions held

Major elections and selection milestones

Major initiatives and decisions

  • University Education Commission (1948 -1949): Served as chairman of the commission, which is commonly cited in official records of his public roles. (Vice President of India)
  • UNESCO engagement (late 1940s - early 1950s): Led India’s work with UNESCO and held leadership positions connected to UNESCO bodies during that period. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
  • Teachers’ Day in India (observed on 5 September): His birthday is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India, reflecting his identity as an educator. (President of India)

Books and Publications

He wrote widely on philosophy and religion. Commonly cited works include:

Awards and honours​

  • Bharat Ratna: 1954 (Ministry of Home Affairs)
  • Templeton Prize: 1975 (Encyclopedia Britannica)

    • Public perception

    Strengths commonly cited

    He is often described as a respected scholar and public figure who helped present Indian philosophical traditions to international audiences. Official and encyclopedic sources emphasize his academic standing and his role in public life as Vice President and President.

    Criticisms and controversies

    Academic critiques have focused mainly on interpretation, not personal misconduct. For example, the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy notes criticism of his broad “East vs West” framing, arguing that such categories can oversimplify complex traditions and reflect older ways of thinking in colonial-era scholarship.

    Legal cases

    No verified criminal legal cases are highlighted in the official government profiles and standard encyclopedic summaries used here.

    Digital and Media

    • Official website: Not applicable (historical public figure).
    • Official social profiles: Not applicable.
    • Government biography pages: Available on Indian government portals.

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    FAQs

    Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

    He was an Indian philosopher and statesman who served as the second President of India (1962 -1967). He also served as India’s first Vice President (1952 -1962) and held major academic and diplomatic roles before entering top constitutional office.

    He was born on 5 September 1888. Britannica lists his birthplace as Tiruttani, India (present-day Tamil Nadu).

    He died in April 1975. Britannica gives 16 April 1975, while official government profiles list 17 April 1975.

    He is best known as the second President of India. His term is listed as 13 May 1962 to 13 May 1967 on the President of India profile.

    He is widely described as non-partisan and is commonly listed as “Independent.” His career is often framed as primarily academic and diplomatic before he entered constitutional roles.

    A government document notes that Technology Vision 2020 (TIFAC) was released in 1996, with leadership credited under Dr. Kalam. The work is commonly referenced as a national-level planning exercise for science and technology priorities.

    Reports said he returned the bill for reconsideration and later gave assent after it was passed again. The discussion was framed as a constitutional and political debate, not a criminal allegation.

    He died on 27 July 2015 in Shillong, India. This is stated in an official Embassy of India press release.

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