Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan as a Prose Writer

You might know Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan as the first Vice-President of India or the second President of India or as the man with a turban and glass whose contributions you studied in a history book somewhere. Today, we are going to examine the contributions of Dr. Radhakrishnan as a prose writer by answering a few questions. This blog is a thinking activity assigned by Prakruti ma’am.  

Before we begin to understand Dr. Radhakrishnan as a prose writer, here is a short introduction of him:- 

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975) was a renowned Indian philosopher, scholar, and statesman, who served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. A prominent advocate of education, he was also the country's first Vice President. Dr. Radhakrishnan was a key figure in promoting Indian philosophy on a global stage, particularly through his work on Hinduism and its integration with Western thought. His birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India, honoring his belief in the transformative power of education. Known for his intellectual depth, he played a significant role in shaping modern Indian thought. 

(Britannica)

1. Write a note on S. Radhakrishnan’s perspective on Hinduism.

Dr. Radhakrishnan views Hinduism as an inclusive philosophical system that is more than just a religion. His views are presented in his book, ‘The Hindu View of Life’. It is a collection of his lectures delivered at the Manchester College, Oxford in September, 1926. The book is divided into four main lectures, where he explores topics such as the nature of God, the individual’s relationship to the universe, ethics, and the ultimate goal of life. He addresses common misconceptions about Hinduism and presents it not merely as a religion but as a way of life.

He starts by explaining that the term, “Hindu”, was a geographical term. He explains that Hinduism is a personal experience and it can be characterised by a lack of rigid system of worship. He recognises the freedom offered by Hinduism and how it allows for immense diversity. This tolerance is central to Hinduism as it does not impose a single path but encourages multiple approaches to the divine.

He underscores the philosophical nature of Hinduism through the Upanishadic emphasis on the relative reality of the world, asserting that all worldly things have value as they contribute to the realisation of the self. Reality, according to Radhakrishnan, is something that is unchanging and eternal.

On the practical side, Radhakrishnan outlines that Hinduism is more a way of life than a rigid set of beliefs. Life in Hinduism is structured around four primary aims: 

1. Dharma meaning righteousness 

2. Artha meaning wealth

3. Kama which means desire 

4. Moksha which means spiritual freedom or salvation

These four aims collectively guide moral and spiritual life. 

Regarding the caste system, Radhakrishnan offers a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging its present-day corruption and exclusiveness, he explains that it was originally intended as a social system to promote cooperation, tolerance, and trust. It was man-made and had no divine sanction. The caste system’s initial purpose was to divide social functions, ensuring that each caste served its role in society with its own code and tradition.

For more information on this work, check out this coggle made by Prakruti ma’am - Three Prose Writers 

2. Write a note on the contribution of S. Radhakrishnan in Indian Writing in English.

Dr. Radhakrishnan made significant contributions for Indian writing in English through his philosophical and religious writings. His writings made Indian philosophy accessible to a global audience. We can say that he bridge the gap between Eastern and Western thought. In his works, he draws inspiration from Upanishads, Bhagvad Gita and other important Hindu religious texts. His prose spread the insights of Hinduism to the world. His works elevated Indian writing in English and positioned it as an important medium for cross cultural exchange and philosophical dialogue.

3. According to Radhakrishnan, what is the function of philosophy?

Radhakrishnan believes that philosophy is not merely a theoretical idea, but a path to achieve self realisation. The function of philosophy was to attain moksha or liberation. These ideas can be seen in his work “The Idealist View of Life”, published in 1929. In this work, he talks about his philosophy and explores the modern challenges to religion, which are both scientific and social. 

Dr. Radhakrishnan agrees with the observation of philosopher Hegel and believes that all philosophies (including religious philosophies) are idealistic. In this work, he explains that philosophy consists of three levels -

Level one - Understanding

Level two - Contemplation

Level three - Insight

In this work, he suggests that the world that we live in is not the ultimate reality. The true essence of existence lies in the Universal consciousness. Hence, he views philosophy as a tool to transcend materialism and comprehend the spiritual dimension.

Aside from his contributions to the Indian education system, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan also spread the Indian philosophies through his prose writings. In here, we examined both of his renowned works: “The Hindu View of Life” and “The Idealist View of Life”, which present his ideas on philosophy, religion and Hinduism. 

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Images - 8

References - 

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan". Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Sep. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sarvepalli-Radhakrishnan. Accessed 17 September 2024.