About

• Born on 5 September 1888 at Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu.
• Philosopher, educator and statesman who played an important role in Indian academic and public life.
• His birth anniversary, 5 September, is observed as Teachers’ Day in India.
• The observance is associated with his contribution to education and teaching.

Constitutional Positions

• Served as the first Vice-President of India from 1952 to 1962.
• Served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967.
• Thus, he was the first Vice-President to subsequently become President of India.

Diplomatic Role

• Served as India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952.
• His diplomatic assignment preceded his tenure as Vice-President.

Academic Contributions

• Served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936.
• Served as Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) from 1939 to 1948.
• Held the Spalding Professorship of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford.
• Associated with the development and international presentation of Indian philosophical thought.

International Associations

• Served as an Indian delegate to the League of Nations.
• Associated with UNESCO and served as Chairman of its Executive Board.

Philosophical Thought

• Closely associated with the philosophical interpretation of Vedanta, particularly Advaita Vedanta.
• Sought to present Indian philosophy in dialogue with Western philosophical traditions.
• Emphasised themes such as spiritual unity, tolerance and universal fellowship.

Important Books/Works 

• Indian Philosophy — major work presenting Indian philosophical traditions.
• The Hindu View of Life — discusses the philosophical foundations of Hindu thought.
• An Idealist View of Life — deals with his philosophical outlook.
• Eastern Religions and Western Thought — examines the relationship between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.
• The Principal Upanishads — associated with his interpretation of the Upanishadic tradition.

Prasthanatraya

• His philosophical writings engaged with the major texts of Vedanta.
• Prasthanatraya consists of:
  • Upanishads — Śruti Prasthāna
  • Bhagavad Gita — Smriti Prasthāna
  • Brahma Sutras — Nyaya Prasthāna

Awards & Honours

• Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
• Received a knighthood in 1931.
• His contribution to education and philosophy earned him several national and international honours.