Topics Covered: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Dr. Radhakrishnan:
Context:
Teacher’s Day is observed annually on September 5.
- The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Radhakrishnan.
About Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:
He was born on September 5, 1888 in Thiruthani, Tamil Nadu.
- He was India’s first Vice President and second President.
His Philosophy and Literary works:
- His book, ‘The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore’ attracted global attention to Indian philosophy.
- His philosophy was grounded in Advaita Vedanta.
- He defended Hinduism against “uninformed Western criticism” and played a major role in the formation of contemporary Hindu identity.
- His other works include Indian Philosophy, (1923-27), The Philosophy of the Upanishads (1924), An Idealist View of Life (1932), Eastern Religions and Western Thought (1939), and East and West: Some Reflections (1955).
Positions held, Awards and honours:
- He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.
- He received a knighthood in 1931 and honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963.
- He was elected chairman of UNESCO’s executive board in 1948.
- He was one of the founders of Helpage India, a renowned NGO for elderly underprivileged in India.
- He had also formed the Krishnarpan Charity Trust along with Ghanshyam Das Birla and some other social workers in the pre-independence era.
- He was the first Indian to hold a chair at the University of Oxford – the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics (1936-1952)
- In 1930, he was appointed Haskell lecturer in Comparative Religion at the University of Chicago.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- When and why Teacher’s day is celebrated?
- Offices held by Dr. Radhakrishnan.
- Awards and honours received.
- His philosophy.
- Important literary works.
- Important Movements he was involved in.
- Institutions established by him and he is associated with?
- What is Advaita Vedanta?
Mains Link:
What do you understand by advaita principle? Discuss the ethical aspects of advita.
Sources: pib.
