Remembering a great teacher

Dr.Sarvepally Radhakrishnan, remains one of the towering figures of modern India. A statesman, thinker, writer, teacher and a philosopher, he was also the second President of India. But, it is as a philosopher-teacher that he is reknowned. He was also one of the foremost scholars on comparative religion.

He argued that Western philosophers, despite all claims to objectivity, were biased by theological influences from their wider culture. In one of his major works he also showed that Indian philosophy, once translated into standard academic jargon, is worthy of being called philosophy by Western standards.

His main contribution to Indian thought, therefore, is that he placed it "on the map", thereby earning Indian philosophy a respect that it had not had before.

After 1946, his philosophical career was cut short when his country needed him as ambassador to UNESCO and later to Moscow. He was later to become the first Vice-President and finally the President (1962-1967) of India.

When he became the President of India in 1962, some of his students and friends requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday, September 5.

He replied, "Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teacher's Day."

Since then, Teacher's Day has been celebrated in India.

Here is to all the teachers in India. Your selfless work wont go waste. It is a thankless but mentally rewarding duty that you are performing. A real teacher is a true Nishkama karmachari.