Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: The Philosopher and Writer

Hello everyone, in today's blog post, I will discuss Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, his contributions to English literature, his philosophy, and his perspectives on Hinduism. This blog task was assigned by Prakruti ma'am, so let's delve into it!

Who is Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

“When we think we know, we cease to learn”. 
These words motivate us to seek higher learning in each phase of life since learning is a life-long process. The student in us would never fail if we had teacher-par excellence like Dr. S Radhakrishnan. He is undoubted, one of the most recognized and influential Indian thinkers in academic circles of the 20th century. He was a role model, an interminable source of inspiration, and a great statesman for all teachers and students of the country.



Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan a leader, politician, philosopher, and academic from India. He first served as India’s vice president before becoming the nation’s second president. Writing about, defending, and promoting his beliefs which he referred to as Hinduism, Vedanta, and the religion of the Spirit was Radhakrishnan’s life’s work. He made an effort to show how his Hinduism was both morally and intellectually sound. His prose contains both Western and Indian components, and he seems at home in both Indian and Western intellectual traditions. As a result, Radhakrishnan has received appreciation in academic circles as a representation of Hinduism in the West.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan History

  • Born: September 5, 1888, in Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Education: Studied philosophy at Madras Christian College.
  • Academic Career:
  • Lecturer at Madras Presidency College and University of Mysore.
  • Professor of Philosophy at the University of Calcutta.
  • Held the prestigious Spalding Chair of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford (1936–1952).
  • Renowned for works on Indian philosophy and comparative religion.
Notable Works:
  1. “Indian Philosophy”
  2. “The Hindu View of Life”
  3. “The Principal Upanishads”.
Political Career:
  • India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1949–1952).
  • First Vice President of India (1952–1962).
  • Second President of India (1962–1967).

  • Teachers’ Day: His birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India.
  • Philosophy: Advocate of Advaita Vedanta; emphasized humanism, tolerance, and secularism.
  • Awards: Received the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
  • Death: Passed away on April 17, 1975.

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s Perspective on Hinduism:


Now, when it came to Hinduism, Radhakrishnan had some pretty interesting thoughts. He saw Hinduism not just as a religion, but as a way of life. He believed it was flexible and open to new ideas. Radhakrishnan viewed Hinduism as more than just a set of religious beliefs or practices. He saw it as a comprehensive approach to living. This means that for Radhakrishnan, Hinduism wasn't confined to temples or rituals, but extended to how one conducts their daily life, makes decisions, and interacts with the world. 

He aimed to present Hinduism not as an archaic set of rituals but as a living, breathing philosophy that evolved over centuries. He was deeply influenced by Vedanta, particularly Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the unity of all existence and the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal soul (Brahman).


 

In his famous work, The Hindu View of Life (1927), he states,
“Hinduism is not just a faith. It is the union of reason and intuition that cannot be defined but is only to be experienced.”
Here, Radhakrishnan is suggesting that Hinduism balances logical thinking (reason) with inner understanding (intuition). He's saying that Hinduism can't be fully understood just by reading about it or thinking about it logically it needs to be experienced to be truly grasped. Radhakrishnan believed that one of the main purposes of Hinduism was to facilitate personal development and self-realization. The journey of life, according to this view, is about understanding oneself better.

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s articulation of Hinduism was instrumental in dispelling many Western misconceptions. He sought to prove that Hinduism was not fatalistic or otherworldly but rather an active, dynamic faith. As he once put it, "Religion is not a department of life; it is something that enters into the whole of it." For him, Hinduism was intertwined with every facet of life, and it encouraged a search for the truth that could harmonize faith and reason.

"The end of all our exploration will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time"

this quote is actually from T.S. Eliot, but it resonates with Radhakrishnan's philosophy. This idea suggests that the spiritual journey in Hinduism is like a circular path. You might end up back where you started, but with a completely new understanding. It's about seeing familiar things with new eyes, gained through experience and self-reflection. 

Radhakrishnan's Contribution to Indian Writing in English:


When it comes to Indian writing in English, Radhakrishnan was a real game-changer. He wrote a ton of books and articles that made Indian philosophy accessible to the West. His writing style was clear and easy to understand, even when he was talking about complex ideas. At a time when English was primarily used for administrative purposes in India, he used it as a medium to express complex philosophical ideas. This was groundbreaking because it helped bridge the gap between Indian thought and Western audiences.

One of Radhakrishnan's major achievements was his ability to explain Indian philosophical concepts in a way that Western readers could understand. He didn't just translate ideas; he contextualized them, drawing parallels with Western philosophy where appropriate. This made Indian philosophy more accessible and relatable to a global audience.

Despite dealing with complex philosophical ideas, Radhakrishnan had a gift for clear, lucid prose. He could break down difficult concepts into simpler terms without losing their essence. This skill made his works accessible not just to academics, but to general readers interested in philosophy.

Significant works:

  1. "Indian Philosophy":

 This two-volume work is considered one of Radhakrishnan's masterpieces. It provides a comprehensive overview of various schools of Indian philosophy, from ancient times to the modern era. Its enduring relevance is evidenced by its continued use in universities.

 2."The Hindu View of Life":

In this book, Radhakrishnan explains core Hindu concepts and beliefs in a way that's easy for people from different cultural backgrounds to understand. It's an excellent example of his ability to bridge Eastern and Western thought.

 "It is not God that is worshipped but the authority that claims to speak in His name"

this quote reveals Radhakrishnan's critical thinking. He wasn't afraid to question established norms or interpretations, even in matters of religion. This approach made his writing powerful and thought-provoking. Radhakrishnan's work helped establish Indian writing in English as a serious literary and academic field. He showed that English could be used effectively to express Indian ideas and philosophies, paving the way for future Indian writers in English.

Through his writing, Radhakrishnan became a cultural ambassador of sorts, introducing Indian thought to the West and helping to foster greater understanding between different philosophical traditions.

The Function of Philosophy According to Dr. Radhakrishnan:


So, what did Radhakrishnan think philosophy was all about? Well, he believed philosophy wasn't just about thinking big thoughts. It was about making those thoughts useful in everyday life.

For Dr. Radhakrishnan, philosophy was not a mere academic exercise but a way of life. He believed that philosophy should help individuals understand the deeper meaning of existence and guide them toward living a more fulfilled life. 
He once remarked,
 “Philosophy is a logical inquiry into the nature of reality, yet it also serves as a guide to life.”
 This view underscores his belief that philosophy is practical, not just theoretical. It should not be confined to intellectuals but should be accessible to everyone seeking to understand the mysteries of life.

Radhakrishnan also saw philosophy as a bridge between science and religion. He believed that while science provides empirical knowledge, philosophy helps us understand the moral and spiritual dimensions of life. In his view, “The function of philosophy is to systematize and harmonize the various principles of knowledge,” blending reason, intuition, and ethics into a coherent understanding of the world.

He argued that philosophy had the power to foster peace and understanding by encouraging dialogue between different cultures and perspectives. In a world divided by political, social, and religious differences, Radhakrishnan believed that philosophy could help individuals transcend their narrow identities and find common ground.

In conclusion, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan wasn't just a political leader. He was a thinker, a writer, and a true philosopher. His ideas on Hinduism, his contributions to Indian writing in English, and his views on philosophy continue to inspire and challenge us today.

Thank You!!

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