# Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

> 2nd President and 1st Vice President of India, Indian philosopher and politician (1888–1975)

**Wikidata**: [Q156349](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q156349)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarvepalli_Radhakrishnan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sarvepalli-radhakrishnan

## Summary
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher and politician who served as the 1st Vice President and the 2nd President of India. Living from 1888 to 1975, he is recognized for his distinguished career in academia and his leadership in the Indian government during the nation's transition from the British Raj to a sovereign republic.

## Biography
- Born: September 5, 1888
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Madras Christian College, University of Madras
- Known for: Serving as the 2nd President and 1st Vice President of India; contributions to philosophy and education
- Employer(s): University of Mysore, University of Calcutta, University of Delhi
- Field(s): Philosophy, Politics, Education, History, Translation, Diplomacy

## Contributions
- **Government Leadership:** Served as the 1st Vice President of India and the 2nd President of India, providing leadership during the establishment of the Republic of India.
- **Academic Service:** Held teaching positions at major Indian universities, including the University of Mysore, University of Calcutta, and University of Delhi, influencing the field of philosophy.
- **International Recognition:** Received the Templeton Prize, a significant religious award, and the Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association for his work promoting understanding and peace.
- **National Honors:** Awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in recognition of his valuable contributions to the nation.
- **Cultural Exchange:** Acted as a diplomat and bridge between Eastern and Western intellectual traditions, evidenced by his receipt of the Order of Merit and the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts.

## FAQs
**What political offices did Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan hold?**
He served as the 1st Vice President of India and later as the 2nd President of India.

**Where did Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan complete his education?**
He attended Madras Christian College and the University of Madras.

**Which universities was Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan associated with during his career?**
He was affiliated with the University of Mysore, the University of Calcutta, and the University of Delhi as a teacher and academic.

**What major awards did Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan receive?**
He was the recipient of the Bharat Ratna, the Templeton Prize, the Order of Merit, the Knight Bachelor title, and the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts.

**Was Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan a member of any international academies?**
Yes, he was a Fellow of the British Academy and a member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Romanian Academy.

## Why They Matter
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan matters because he helped shape the intellectual and political landscape of modern India. As a philosopher and university teacher at prestigious institutions like the University of Calcutta and the University of Delhi, he advanced the study of philosophy and education in the country. His role as the first Vice President and second President placed him at the helm of the Indian state during its critical formative years following independence from the British Raj. His international awards, including the Templeton Prize and the Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association, highlight his global impact in promoting peace and religious understanding.

## Notable For
- Serving as the 2nd President of India.
- Serving as the 1st Vice President of India.
- Being a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
- Receiving the Templeton Prize for progress in religion.
- Being awarded the Knight Bachelor title.
- Receiving the Order of Merit.
- Receiving the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts.
- Receiving the Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association.
- Receiving the Goethe Plaque of the City of Frankfurt.
- Being a Fellow of the British Academy.
- Holding membership in the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
- Holding membership in the Romanian Academy.
- Receiving honorary doctorates from the University of Zagreb and the University of Calcutta.
- Having a diverse professional background including roles as a philosopher, politician, diplomat, translator, historian, and university teacher.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888. He pursued his higher education at Madras Christian College and the University of Madras. These institutions provided the academic foundation for his future work as a philosopher and scholar.

### Academic Career
Radhakrishnan had a significant career as a university teacher and philosopher. He was affiliated with several major universities, including the University of Mysore, the University of Calcutta, and the University of Delhi. Through these positions, he contributed to the academic discourse in India and mentored students in the field of philosophy. His work as an educator placed him at the center of the intellectual life of the country during the era of the British Raj and the subsequent Dominion of India.

### Political and Diplomatic Service
Transitioning from academia to public service, Radhakrishnan became a prominent politician and diplomat. He served as the 1st Vice President of India, a role he undertook as the country solidified its status as an independent republic. He later ascended to the office of the 2nd President of India. His leadership helped navigate the young nation through its early years of sovereignty.

### Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Radhakrishnan received extensive recognition for his work. He was honored with the Knight Bachelor title and the Order of Merit. In the realm of arts and sciences, he was awarded the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts and the Goethe Plaque of the City of Frankfurt. His contributions to peace and religion were recognized with the Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association and the Templeton Prize. Nationally, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna.

### Memberships and Recognitions
Radhakrishnan was acknowledged by various learned societies across the globe. He was elected a Fellow of the British Academy. He also held memberships in the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and the Romanian Academy. Additionally, he received honorary doctorates from the University of Zagreb and the University of Calcutta.

### Legacy
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975. His legacy is defined by his dual impact on Indian education and politics. As a philosopher, he bridged cultural divides, and as a statesman, he provided stability to the office of the President and Vice President of India. His life's work continues to be honored through the numerous awards and academic affiliations he accumulated.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://eci.gov.in/files/category/97-general-election-2014/)
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.andhrauniversity.edu.in/administration/vc-desk.html)
6. [Source](https://www.friedenspreis-des-deutschen-buchhandels.de/alle-preistraeger-seit-1950/1960-1969/sarvepalli-radhakrishnan)
7. The orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland
8. [Source](https://toynbeeprize.org/the-prize/)
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. CiNii Research
11. Lingua Libre
12. www.sanu.ac.rs
13. SNAC
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Czech National Authority Database
16. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
17. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
18. Frankfurter Personenlexikon
19. Internet Philosophy Ontology project
20. Croatian Encyclopedia
21. Munzinger Personen
22. Pedagogues and Psychologists of the World
23. [Source](https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/r/radhakrisnan.htm)
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. Virtual International Authority File
26. nobelprize.org
27. Autoritats UB
28. Goodreads
29. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
30. Enciclopedia Treccani
31. LIBRIS. 2012
32. Dizionario di Storia
33. Treccani Philosophy
34. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
35. Catalogo of the National Library of India