In what ways did the literary works of Rabindranath Tagore aid in the cultural awakening that accompanied the Indian independence movement?
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was India's first Vice President who played a v a vital role in enhancing India's educational system. His birthday, 5th September, is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India. Contribution of S. Radhakrishnan in the field of education Contribution in teaching: Dr. RadhakrishRead more
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was India’s first Vice President who played a v a vital role in enhancing India’s educational system. His birthday, 5th September, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India. Contribution of S. Radhakrishnan in the field of education
- Contribution in teaching: Dr. Radhakrishnan remained a teacher throughout his life.
- He had a long academic career and taught at Chennai’s Presidency College and Calcutta University, and even served as the vice chancellor of Andhra Pradesh University and BHU.
- He also taught Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford for 16 years.
- He also taught at the Mysore University, University of Calcutta, and University of Chicago.
- Improving university system: After India attained independence, Dr. Radhakrishnan headed the University Commission in 1948.
- His committee played a pivotal role in shaping an education system based on India’s needs at the time.
- The Radhakrishnan Commission Report was India’s first evaluation of the university system.
- Views on education: According to him, Education is acquiring knowledge beyond what is academic and professional. It is the assimilation of values and ideas for character building and preparing to face life’s challenges.
- Indian Philosophy: He played a huge role in placing Indian philosophy on the global map. He focused on Hindu schools of thought and expanded his area of interest to include Buddhist teachings and theories.
Contribution in the field of Foreign Affairs
- Ambassador to the USSR from 1949 to 1952:
- Through his peaceful diplomatic brokering, he successfully established a cordial relationship between India and the Soviet Union. This was further aided by the efforts of Dr. Radhakrishnan in developing good relations with people close to Joseph Stalin.
- As a President: Dr. Radhakrishnan also served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967.
- He voiced issues concerning both India and the world during his term as President.
- It is said that he had postulated a peace plan for the Vietnam War in 1965.
- Represented India at international organisations:
- League of Nations: In 1931 he was nominated to the League of Nations Committee for Intellectual Cooperation. √ Dr. Radhakrishnan also challenged what he saw as the divisive potential and dominating character of self-professed international organizations such as the League of Nations. √ Instead, he called for the promotion of a creative internationalism based on the spiritual foundations of integral experience.
- UNESCO: Dr. Radhakrishnan had been actively involved in the newly incorporated UNESCO serving on its Executive Board as well as leading the Indian delegation from 1946-1951.
The life of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and his contributions are great assets for the school of Indian modern philosophy. He was a man of knowledge and an educationist, and he contributed a lot to the field of education and foreign affairs.
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Rabindranath Tagore's literary works significantly contributed to the cultural awakening during the Indian independence movement in several ways - Rabindranath Tagore's patriotic poetry like "Chitto Jetha Bhayshunyo" inspired nationalism, freedom and self pride awakening Indians to their cultural heRead more
Rabindranath Tagore’s literary works significantly contributed to the cultural awakening during the Indian independence movement in several ways –
In summary, Rabindranath Tagore’s literary works played a significant role in shaping India’s cultural awakening during the independence movement, inspiring nationalism, social reform, international connections and a renewed sense of Indian identity.
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