September - October - 2014 Odisha Review
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan : A Tribute
Bibhu Chandra Mishra
5th September is celebrated as the Teachers' Day Oxford University and taught Eastern Religions all over the country. On this day in the year 1888 and Ethics there. Thus he could be able to bridge was born Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the the gap existing between Eastern and Western scholarly statesperson in a middle class family in thoughts. During the tenure of Vice-Chancellor the pilgrim town of Tirutani, 40 miles away from of Andhra University and Benares Hindu the north-western tract of Madras. His talents University, Chancellor of Delhi University and were reflected from his very Chairman of University childhood. At the age of 20, he Education Commission, Dr. post-graduated in philosophy Radhakrishnan showed a new and became the topper from dimension in the field of Madras University. His first philosophy and academics and book "The Ethics of the Vedanta brought about historic and its Material Presupposition", educational reforms. being his doctoral thesis was He led the Indian published in 1908 which delegation to UNSECO during created a stir in the world of 1946 to 1952. The ties with philosophy and brought for him USSR were strengthened while a remarkable position as a he was Ambassador to Russia. philosopher of international Dr. Radhakrishnan is best known repute. for his works like "The He started his career as Philosophy of Rabindranath Assistant Professor and then Tagore", 'The Hindu View of Professor in the Department of Philosophy from Life', 'An Idealist View of Life', 'Eastern Religion 1909 to 1918. Thereafter he joined as 'King and Western thought'. On the advice of Mahatma George V. Professor' at Calcutta University and Gandhi, he edited the "Bhagavad Gita" in English. subsequently became the Emeritus Professor in This towering personality was elevated the same University. He served as Vice-Chancellor to the position of the Vice-President of the of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936. For his Republic of India in 1952 and finally the nation outstanding work, he became Professor in honoured him as the President of the country in
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1962. On his appointment to the post of celebrated as Teachers' Day." His birthday has President, Bertrand Russel remarked, "It is an since been celebrated as Teachers' Day. honour to philosophy that Dr. Radhakrishnan Dr. Radhakrishnan brought unfailing should be President of India and I, as a dignity and moral authority to all the positions that philosopher, take special pleasure in this." he held. He was a venerable figure of his time He did not find any rift between both in India and abroad. Dr. Radhakrishnan was secularism and a geniunely religious inclination. conferred on the highest award of the nation, Similarly, he did not observe any difference Bharat Ratna in 1954 for his commendable service between economic planning and individual liberty. to the country and mankind as well. During the tenure of Vice-Presidentship and as On this sacred occasion while reminiscing President, he toured to various countries and the life of this great soul, we should imbibe in us endeavoured to consolidate India's foreign his idealism, deep patriotic fervour and high sense relations. His contributions to nation-building and of social values and the teaching community in consolidation of our political and parliamentary particular should come forward to discharge their traditions was quite significant. noble responsibility in a spirit of sacrifice and Truly he was a humanitarian person. As a dedication. teacher, he was the most adorable person among his students. His charismatic personality could attract all sections of people throughout his long distinguished public life. When he became President, some of his friends requested him to allow them to observe his birthday, 5th September. He replied, "Instead of celebrating my birthday, it Bibhu Chandra Mishra, Information & Public Relations would be my proud privilege if 5th September is Department, Bhubaneswar.
Independence Day being jointly celebrated by I & P.R. Department and Utkaliya Milita Manch, Kolkata.
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