As India celebrates Teachers’ Day 2025, remembering Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan marks his timeless vision.
Each year on September 5, India honours its
educators on Teachers’ Day, and the celebration is rooted in the life and vision of one man – Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was a philosopher, scholar, diplomat, and even was the country's second President. His contributions to education were much beyond classrooms and lecture halls, and he ended up shaping India’s intellectual and moral foundation. On the occasion of Teachers’ Day 2025, his ideals remind us of the power of education to transform entire societies.
The Man Behind the Celebration
Born on September 5, 1888, in a modest Tamil Nadu family, Radhakrishnan rose from a small-town student to a global statesman. In his relentless pursuit of knowledge, he undertook a journey marked by brilliance, and ended up getting degrees in philosophy. He went on to become a professor at prestigious institutions such as the University of Calcutta, University of Mysore, and Oxford University.
Nonetheless, he remained not merely an academic, but his writings on Advaita Vedanta and Indian spiritual thought got him global recognition. In 1962, when Radhakrishnan became President of India, his students and admirers ended up celebrating his birthday. In fact, he famously said, “Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day.”
Radhakrishnan’s Vision for Education
Dr. Radhakrishnan believed that education was a moral, spiritual, and cultural force. For him, teachers were nation-builders, and mentioned that India’s progress would depend on intellectual and ethical foundations cultivated by great educators. His teaching approach combined critical thinking, spirituality, and a respect for diversity. He also was the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University, made reforms to have inclusive education.
A Global Scholar and Statesman
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s influence reflected in his work as a diplomat as well, particularly as India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. He engaged with global leaders while staying true to India’s cultural identity. In 1954, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, for his contribution to education, philosophy, and diplomacy.
Teachers’ Day: More Than a Ceremony
Teachers’ Day in India is a vibrant celebration, with students honoring their teachers. It’s also a call for educators who play in shaping values, and aspirations of students.
In today’s time, the educational landscape of India in 2025 looks different from Radhakrishnan’s era, but his core values remain intact. Radhakrishnan’s legacy calls for systemic respect and empowerment for teachers. As India celebrates Teachers’ Day 2025, remembering Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is reaffirmation of his timeless vision.
