Today Teachers' Day is being celebrated across the country with great fanfare. It was on this day that the first Vice President of the country and former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, was born. Teachers' Day has been celebrated across the country since 1962 on the occasion of his birthday. Radhakrishnan, who had been fond of books since childhood, was very impressed with Swami Vivekananda. He considered Vivekananda as his role model.


He believed that only the best-minded people in the country should become teachers. He respected teachers a lot. Today we'll tell you some of the facts associated with him that you may not know.


 Great philosopher


Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan studied philosophy at Madras Christian College. He was also a professor of philosophy. After completing his studies, he started his work as a professor. He became a professor of philosophy at Madras Presidency College and later at Mysore University. He is also considered to be the greatest philosopher in India's history so far.


He got married at the age of 16


Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan got married when he was just 16 years of age. His wife was six years younger than him at the time and was only 10 years old when they were married. His wife's name was Sivakamu. After five years of marriage, a daughter was born in their house.


Country's first Vice President


Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the first Vice President of the country in 1952 after independence. After the post of Vice President, he also served as the second President of the country in 1962.


Represented India at UNESCO


After India's independence, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan represented the country in UNESCO from 1949 to 1952. He was also India's ambassador to the Soviet Union at that time. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly after India's independence.


Awarded with Bharat Ratna in 1954


Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was awarded the country's highest honour, Bharat Ratna, in 1954 for his outstanding work for the country. After receiving the Bharat Ratna he became the President of the country. After his presidency, he started living in Madras.


Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975, due to prolonged illness. Towards the end of his life, he was awarded the Templeton Award by the U.S. government in March 1975.