2015 - Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | Commemorative Coin

The 7th commemorative coin of 2015 was released to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan remains one of India’s most distinguished philosophers, statesmen, and educationists, whose life and work left an enduring impact on modern India’s intellectual and public spheres. Born in 1888 in Tiruttani, he grew up in humble circumstances yet displayed extraordinary academic brilliance from an early age. His deep interest in philosophy led him to pursue higher studies at Madras Christian College, where he began developing a keen understanding of Indian spiritual thought. Radhakrishnan soon emerged as a remarkable scholar, earning recognition for his ability to interpret India’s philosophical heritage in a way that made it accessible and relevant both within the country and internationally. His early works on Advaita Vedanta placed him among the foremost interpreters of Indian philosophy in the modern world.

Radhakrishnan’s academic career was illustrious and influential. He taught at several prominent institutions, including the University of Mysore, the University of Calcutta, and later Oxford University, where he served as Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics. His lectures and writings bridged the intellectual traditions of the East and the West, emphasizing universal values and the inherent unity of human thought. He believed that education should cultivate character, broad-mindedness, and moral awareness, and he saw the teacher’s role as central in shaping society. His commitment to the cause of education earned him immense respect, and his birthday, September 5, later came to be celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India, reflecting the love and admiration he inspired among students.

Beyond academics, Radhakrishnan played a significant role in public life. He served as India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union during a critical moment in global politics and later became the Vice President of India in 1952. His dignity, clarity of thought, and moral authority made him a respected figure both at home and abroad. In 1962, he became the second President of India, bringing to the office a rare combination of scholarship and statesmanship. His tenure was marked by thoughtful leadership, compassion, and an unwavering belief in India’s civilizational values. Even in public office, he continued to advocate for harmony, ethical governance, and the importance of knowledge as the foundation for progress.

Radhakrishnan’s literary contributions remain monumental. His books and lectures, including The Hindu View of Life, Indian Philosophy, and An Idealist View of Life, continue to shape the study of comparative religion and philosophy. He emphasized that religion should be a force for unity rather than division and believed that spiritual understanding must evolve with the changing needs of society. His writings encouraged dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect, qualities that he saw as essential for building a peaceful world.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s life stands as an example of how scholarship, humility, and service can come together to enrich a nation. He dedicated himself to uplifting education, interpreting India’s philosophical wisdom for a global audience, and guiding the country with intellect and integrity. His legacy endures in classrooms, universities, and public institutions, and his ideas continue to inspire generations to pursue knowledge with sincerity and to uphold values that strengthen both individual character and collective harmony.

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