Today, 'Teacher's Day' is being celebrated all over India in memory of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan - India's first Vice-President and then the President of India.
In 1962, when Radhakrishnan was serving as the President of India, his birthday was proposed to be celebrated as 'Radhakrishnan Day'.
However, he declined, saying: "Instead of celebrating it as my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if this day is observed as Teachers' Day."
Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan (September 5, 1888- April 17, 1975) was a great philosopher and teacher. His contributions to education and Indian philosophy are exemplary. He was one of the greatest scholars of Indian and Western philosophies in recent times. He wrote several volumes on Indian philosophies and Vedanta, including commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Brahma Sutras.
Besides being a great Teacher and Philosopher, Dr. Radhakrishnan was also an exceptionally "witty man"!!
While searching the web about him, I found some brilliant, humorous answers he gave.
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When the King of Greece came to India on a State visit
President Radhakrishnan welcomed him at the Palam Airport.
"Your Majesty... you are the first King of Greece to come to India 'on invitation '!!!!
The last time, Alexander the Great came uninvited."
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Winston Churchill, while having a cup of tea, said to Dr. Radhakrishnan:
Sugar is the only English word where "s" is pronounced as "sh"!!
Dr. Radhakrishnan jested: "Are you sure?"
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Once Winston Churchill hosted a State Banquet in honor of Dr. Radhakrishnan.
Dr. Radhakrishnan washed his hands before eating and used his hands to eat the food, while Churchill used Spoons and Forks..!!
Churchill could not stop himself from advising Dr. Radhakrishnan to use a spoon and fork, saying that they were more hygienic.
Dr. Radhakrishnan replied..
Since nobody can use my hand to eat, my hand is more hygienic than any Spoon or Fork you use."
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On one of his travels abroad, a member of the audience asked Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan a question.
" What's the difference between a Station Master and a School Master?"
The question was irrelevant and bordering on impertinent, too!
However, the brilliant Dr. Radhakrishnan replied calmly...
" While a Station Master minds the Train, a School Master trains the mind!!"
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