Study Guides/General Knowledge/Who is the Second President of India
Study Guide · General Knowledge

Who was the Second President of India?

While India's first President (Rajendra Prasad) served two terms, the person who succeeded him brought a unique blend of philosophy, diplomacy, and scholarship to the highest office in the land.

Question (Click to Flip)

What famous quote is Dr. Radhakrishnan remembered for?

Answer

"Books are the means by which we build bridges between cultures." He also famously said that teachers should be the best minds of the country — because the quality of a civilization depends on the quality of its teachers.

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Key Facts

Dr. Radhakrishnan was awarded 11 honorary doctorates from universities around the world — including Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard — making him one of the most academically decorated leaders in Indian history.

The Answer: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the second President of India (1962–1967).

Before becoming President, he served as India's first Vice-President (1952–1962) — making him the only person in Indian history to hold both the No. 2 (VP) and No. 1 (President) constitutional positions.

Why is His Birthday Teachers' Day?

Dr. Radhakrishnan was one of the world's greatest philosophers and educators — a professor at Oxford University and a celebrated author on Indian philosophy.

When he became President, some students and friends asked permission to celebrate his birthday. He replied that instead of celebrating it as his personal birthday, he would be honored if September 5 were celebrated as Teachers' Day — recognizing the teaching profession.

Since 1962, every September 5 has been celebrated as Teachers' Day across India.

Key Facts

  • Born: September 5, 1888, in Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu
  • Oxford Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics
  • Awarded Bharat Ratna in 1954 (while still Vice-President — extremely rare!)
  • Awarded the Order of Merit by the UK Government
  • Represented India as Ambassador to USSR (1949–1952)

Questions and Answers

What famous quote is Dr. Radhakrishnan remembered for?+

"Books are the means by which we build bridges between cultures." He also famously said that **teachers should be the best minds of the country** — because the quality of a civilization depends on the quality of its teachers.

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