Dr.S. Radhakrishnan-An Academic Seer

India celebrated Teachers’ Day on 05^th September 2022 not only to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan but also to remember and shower encomiums on the services rendered by lakhs of teachers in shaping the careers and lives of millions of students. Since 1962,we have been celebrating Teachers’ Day on 05^th September every year which is the birth anniversary of Dr.S. Radhakrishnan, a highly renowned scholar, recipient of highest civilian award Bharatha Ratna, First Vice-President and second President of Independent India. He was an erudite scholar, philosopher, educationist and above all a great teacher.

 Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan assumed the office of President of India in 1962. Some of his friends and admirers requested him to permit them to celebrate his birthday. Being a great and inspiring teacher himself, he suggested to celebrate as Teachers’ Day instead. I Quote “Instead  of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if 05^th September is observed as Teachers’ Day.” He was of the firm opinion that only a good teacher can guide and influence his/her students to achieve highest success in life and that is why he aptly said, I Quote “Teachers should be the best minds in the Country.”

Globally, since 1994, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on 05^th October to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of Recommendation of ILO/ UNESCO concerning the status of teachers.  Recommendation regarding the status of teachers in higher education was adopted in 1997. These recommendations, duly recognizing the significant role played by the teachers in educational advancement and development of man and modern society, have set benchmarks regarding responsibilities, rights, recruitment, teaching and service conditions of teachers. But to what extent these recommendations have been implemented is a matter of concern.

Early Life and Education

Dr.S. Radhakrishnan was born on 05^th September 1988 at Tiruttani, a hamlet in the erstwhile Madras Presidency, presently located in Tamilnadu. Sri Sarvepalli Veer Swami and Sitamma were his parents. His early childhood was spent in Tiruttani and Tirupathi. He had his high school education at Voorhees College in Vellore. He graduated from Madras Christian College in 1901. He completed his Master’s degree in Philosophy also from the same college. It is a recorded fact that he chose to study philosophy by chance not by choice.

He did his M.A in Philosophy because his cousin had just graduated in Philosophy and he gave all his books to Radhakrishnan. Further, his grit, erudition and determination made him to pursue higher education. Radhakrishnan’s father was financially not well off and hence could not afford expenses of education of Dr. Radhakrishnan. His father wanted Radhakrishnan to be a priest when he grew up. But S.Radhakrisnan pursued education with financial support that flowed in the form of scholarships.

Dr. S.Radhakrishnan was regarded as authority on classics of Hindu Philosophy namely Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, teachings of Shankara, Madwacharya and Ramanujacharya.  The book “Indian Philosophy” authored by him stands even today as a masterpiece in philosophical literature. He was able to place Indian philosophy on the global map through his lectures delivered at Oxford University. He interpreted and propagated Indian Culture and Philosophy globally. When Dr. Radhakrishnan was appointed as the President of India, well known British Philosopher Bertrand Russel said to have remarked that it was the “Greatest Honour to Philosophy.”

Academic and Political Career

In 1909, Radhakrishnan was appointed as Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College, later, in 1918, he was appointed as   Professor of Philosophy at University of Mysore. In 1921, he was nominated as Professor of Philosophy at Calcutta University. When he was moving to Calcutta to take up new assignment, his students at Mysore University did not allow him to travel by horse driven Tanga to the railway station. His students bid farewell in the most unusual and befitting manner by transporting him in a flower decked carriage which was pulled by his students upto the railway station. This rare privilege was enjoyed by only Dr.S. Radhakrishnan, nobody else till now, a heartfelt thanksgiving to a great teacher.

It is said that his lecturers were so inspiring, informative and absorbing that lecture halls used to overflow with audience. He was one of highly acclaimed twentieth country scholars of Comparative Religion and Philosophy.

In 1931, Dr S Radhakrishnan was appointed as Vice-Chanceller of Andhra University, in 1939 as Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, in 1946 as Ambassador to UNESCO, in 1948 as the Chairman of University Education Commission, in 1949 as Ambassador to Society Union. In 1952, he was elected as the first Vice President of Independent India. After serving two terms as Vice president, he was elected as second President of India in 1962. After his retirement in 1967, he settled in Madras and breathed his last in 1975.  

Status of Teachers and Teachers’ Day

As mentioned earlier, September 5^th is celebrated as Teachers’ Day by students all over India and pay respect and tribute to their teachers who are their guiding lights.

Education is the panacea for ills in the society. It is a means for societal development in all dimensions economic, culture, educational and moral. In this regard, teachers play a significant role. A teacher contributes exceptionally towards proper development and growth of children thus providing worthy citizens to the country.

Hence, it is aptly said, teachers are nation builders. In India, teaching profession as viewed as the noblest of all the professions. It is said that there are five noble professions- pastor/priest who looks after the spiritual aspects in the society, doctor who plays a key role in maintaining the health of the society, soldier willing to sacrifice his/her life for the sake of the motherland, a lawyer who take cares of legal aspects. But to produce these professionals, a teacher is indispensable. Hence teaching profession is regarded as the noblest of all noble professions. A teacher enjoys an exalted position in the society.

In Taittriya Upanishad,it is stated that a teacher is equivalent to God (“Acharya Devo Bhava”). Teachers are the backbone of any educational institution. The role of teachers and their competence in curriculum planning and delivery is very critical for effective learning outcomes.  Teachers play a significant role in the stupendous task of building an institution. The question is what type of teachers can actually contribute to this astounding and challenging task of building an institution. Only a person who has a passion for teaching, a scholar as well and is able to play multidimensional role, for  instance, a sculptor, motivator, counselor, academic parent and academic leader can only fit into teaching profession. Having said so much about the significant role played by teachers, let us look at existing plight of teachers both in private and public institutions. In public institutions, the burden is borne by the guest faculty who are paid peanuts compared to regular teachers and in private sector, with exceptions, teachers are paid meagre pay package without any retirement or service benefits. Teachers are exploited both in private and public sectors. On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, public speeches praising the services of teachers are made and forgotten. No serious attempts are being made to address the issues relating to the services of teachers.

Therefore, it is imperative that on the part of policy makers to ponder over these issues and find long lasting solutions to the problems. On the part of the teachers, they have to understand the sacredness of the profession and stand up to the expectations of students, parents and the society at large. They must be role models for others to emulate. A good and dedicated teacher is even today adored and held in high esteem in the society. Let us hope that every teacher aims to become an ideal teacher in the days to come.

I Quote Dr.A.P.J Abdul Kalam “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber and future of an individual. If people remember me as a good teacher that will be the biggest honour for me”.

 I conclude with the quote, “Swadeshe Poojyathe Raja, Vidhwan Sarvartha Poojyathe”