Teacher's Day 2021: S. Radhakrishnan - En route to Eminence

A traveller in the exciting pursuit of knowledge, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a philosopher-statesman and a teacher-par-excellence. He was the first Vice President and the second President of India. Born on 5th of September 1888, his birthday is celebrated as Teachers Day all over India.Dr. S Radhakrishnan, a leading philosopher who dared build bridges between Western and Eastern thoughts, took a sturdy path to reach excellence. A beloved teacher and a respected citizen, he journeyed a long way to reach the honour he stands for today.S. Radhakrishnan famously once said that the prophets of spirit make history just by standing outside history. He himself was one such prophet. This Teachers Day lets pay tribute to H S. Radhakrishnan and try to follow the path which inspired millions... Though born in Thiruttani, S. Radhakrishnan grew up in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The place was then not so populated and had a sense of calm. His philosophical overtures later must have had an unremembered base right here.Tirupati is a must visit for the rocks on the hills are noted to be one of the most ancient rocks in the world. Dr. S Radhakrishnan was 20 when he published his M.A thesis The Ethics of the Vedanta and its Metaphysical Presuppositions in Madras Christian College. He was soon appointed to the Department of Philosophy in Madras Presidency College. Some of the best minds in India are known to have studied here.The cultural heritage of this city inspires all travellers alike. It is said that anyone who tours Mysore integrates a bit of the royal aura. The same happened with S. Radhakrishnan. He set foot in this great place and rubbed shoulders with royalty. He was appointed the Professor of Philosophy in Maharajas College of Mysore University. It was in the University of Calcutta that he was appointed as a professor in philosophy. In a few years time he was knighted by the then Governor-General of India.Calcutta resembled the glory of his life. He published several books and won several accolades. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, S. Radhakrishnan returned home to serve as a Vice-Chancellor at Andhra University.The dry yet refreshing nostalgia of Andhra Pradesh took him further in the road to success. Banaras, now Varanasi, is said to hold aloft the spirit of Indian philosophy. S. Radhakrishnan made this place his own very quickly. He served as the Vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University and reached so high up the ladder of success that he knew no ground.Banaras, in history or otherwise, is always a humbling experience. By tracing the life and times of S Radhakirshnan, one thing is proved - he resembles all but none resemble him.Heres to his ideals and his incredible journey!