BY THE EDITOR
Since time immemorial teachers have been recognised as special categories of people who possessed knowledge and skill in implementing knowledge and where therefore highly respected. Good teachers know how to handle students with love and care who in turn will also reciprocate. Above all they how to get along with others including their colleagues and supervisors. Ruffini said, “The teacher is like the candle which light others in consuming itself.” As time advances so also teachers must equip themselves with sufficient knowledge as well as skills in coping with latest technology at different levels. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan the second president of India (1962-67) said: The goal of education is not merely to produce good individuals, but to turnout individuals who understand their social responsibilities as integral elements of the society in which they live.” Throughout the world leaders stress on the value of education and hence the vital role of teachers in development and upliftment of the society.
In 1948 the United Nations declared that the right to education is one of the fundamental rights of all human beings. In our country September 5 every year is observed as teachers’ day in memory of the illustrious son of India Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888- 1975) which coincides with his birthday. This great philosopher and teacher was born on September 5, 1888 in a small town of Tirutani, 200 km north-west of Chennai(Madras) to poor Brahmins Sarvepalli V. Ramaswamy and Seeta Jha. He was a brilliant student-he passed Matriculation in I Division securing 2nd place in merit list from Madras University in 1902; obtained B.A. (Bachelor of in Arts) degree with I class from Christian College, Madras in 1906, M.A. (Master of Arts) I Class in Philosophy from Madras University in 1909, and Doctorate in Philosophy from Madras university in 1918. After teaching in various colleges in Madras Presidency he then served as professor of Philosophy in Calcutta University from 1921 for quite a number of years.
He was professor of Eastern religions and ethics at Oxford University (1936-52) and gave lectures at Harvard University, US (United States). After India achieved independence Radhakrishnan was sent as ambassador to Russia (Soviet Republic) for about three years (1949-1952). Returning from Moscow, Russia Dr. Radhakrishnan was elected Vice President of India by consensus and served in that capacity for 10 years (1952-1962). In recognition of his services to nation he was conferred the country’s highest award Bharat Ratna in 1954. As Vice President he also became Chairman of Rajya Sabha as well according to constitutional provisions. His speeches drew attentive listeners wherever he went, all over the world. On May 13, 1962 Dr. Rajendra Prasad resigned from the post of India’s president on health grounds and on the same day Dr. Radhakrishnan took oath as President of India. Retiring in May 1967 he left for Madras to live with his family until his demise April 17, 1975.