Educational Thoughts of Dr.Radhakrishnan

By M.VIJAYALAKSHMI

Assistant Professor

Brief Life Sketch

• Born in 1888 in Tamilnadu• Education in Christian Schools• M.A. in Philosophy• In 1910, started his teaching career as

professor of philosophy in different Indian Universities

• Served Calcutta University for 20 yrs – Golden Period

• Book – History of Indian Philosophy –won him laurels

• He was invited by the Oxford University to lecture on “The Hindu View of Life”

• In 1929, joined as Professor of Comparative Religion in the Oxford University

• In 1931 – Vice Chancellor Andhra University• His book – Eastern Religion and Western

Thought – Awarded the fellowship by the British Academy of Fellowship

• Vice-Chancellor of the Benaras Hindu University

• Chairman of the University Grants Commission• Leader of the first Indian team to the UNESCO• In 1952, elected as the First Vice-President and

Chairman of the Rajya Sabha• In 1962, Second President of the Indian Republic • In 1967, awarded the Bharat Ratna• After retired from the public life, he didn’t sit idle• Won the international 50-thousand dollar award just

a month before his death• Educationist, administrator, renowned professor,

philosopher, diplomat, statesman and President• Only education – save the human from the fatal

destiny

Meaning and Functions of Education

• Education – Training of Intellect, Heart and Spirit

• Humanism in Education• Education for Democracy• Education to Develop Scientific Spirit• Education and Human Values• Education and Spiritual Values

• Education – A Search for Integration• Education – A Capacity for Discernment• Education to Develop the Spirit of Enquiry• Education to Train People for Freedom and

Democracy• Education and Self-Discipline• Education Institutions to Preserve the Spirit

of the Youth• Education of Women

Function of University• Universities – Places of Culture• University and Teachers of High Quality• Teachers as Removers of Spiritual Blindness• Teachers – Reservoirs of New Spirit• Teachers to Set Example• Education for Jnana, Darshana and Caritra• Student Discipline

Contribution of Dr.Radhakrishnan• Report of the University Education Commission

1948-49• Presided over by Dr.S.Radhakrishnan• 12 years of schooling and degree course of

three years• University teaching to be made more attractive

by improving the conditions of service• Setting up of a Central Grants Commission• The commission courageously tackled the

problem of religious education

• It observed…“our education should encourage the

development in its members fearlessness of mind, strength of conscience and integrity of purpose”

“If we claim to be civilized, we must develop thought for the poor and the suffering, chivalrous regard and respect for women, faith in human brotherhood regardless of race or colour, nation or religion, love of peace and freedom, abhorrence of cruelty and ceaseless devotion to the claims of justice”

Thank You