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This part of thinking activity on Dr sarvapalli Radhakrishnan as a Prose Writer given by Prakruti Ma'am, Department of English, MKBU.

Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan as a Prose Writer

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan  (5 September 1888 – 17 April 1975) natively Radhakrishnan was an Indian politician, philosopher and statesman who served as the second president of India from 1962 to 1967.

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

In The Hindu View of Life (1962), Radhakrishnan presents an important perspective to reshape the global understanding of Hinduism, particularly in the West. He emphasizes that Hinduism is not just a religion, but a way of life, grounded in distinct spiritual and philosophical values. During the early 19th century, Europeans often saw Hinduism as backward and superstitious, but Radhakrishnan, with his deep knowledge of the Vedas and Upanishads, aimed to correct this misunderstanding by highlighting Hinduism’s depth and adaptability.

Radhakrishnan also explores the origins of the term "Hinduism," explaining that it stems from the geographical name of the river Sindhu (Indus), with outsiders labeling the people living there as "Hindus." This historical context shows that Hinduism is not a rigidly defined religious system but an inclusive and flexible tradition shaped by individual experience.

A key element in his argument is Dharma, which he defines as the moral and ethical responsibilities guiding daily life. By connecting karma to dharma, Radhakrishnan argues that in Hinduism, personal actions are directly tied to righteousness, making duties and responsibilities essential to religious practice. He presents Hinduism as more of a life philosophy than a system based on rituals or rigid beliefs.

Additionally, Radhakrishnan emphasizes Hinduism's pluralism, pointing out that it allows for the worship of many gods and sects, unlike the monotheism seen in other religions. This diversity, he argues, grants Hindus the freedom to choose how they worship, reflecting the religion's openness. He also insists that Hinduism is grounded in rationality and science, rather than superstition.

He further explains the two main aspects of Hinduism: practical and philosophical. The practical aspect relates to the material world, while the philosophical side involves personal experience and self-realization. Together, these aspects form a comprehensive outlook on life.

Addressing the caste system, Radhakrishnan explains that its original purpose was to organize society based on different roles and duties, rather than to create discrimination. He acknowledges, however, that the system became rigid and harmful over time, and advocates for reform by eliminating outdated and negative practices.

Radhakrishnan outlines the four key principles of Hindu dharma—Dharma, Artha (prosperity), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation)—as essential for living a balanced and meaningful life.

In conclusion, Radhakrishnan portrays Hinduism as an evolving and dynamic tradition with the capacity for self-correction. His defense of Hinduism to the Western world highlights its philosophical richness, tolerance, and adaptability.

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

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a respected academician, philosopher, and statesman, played a crucial role in shaping Indian Writing in English through his insightful exploration of Hinduism. During the early 19th century, Hinduism was often misunderstood and misrepresented in the Western world. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the Vedas and Upanishads, Radhakrishnan aimed to correct these misconceptions by presenting a more accurate and philosophical view of Hinduism. His works, such as An Idealist View of Life (1932) and The Hindu View of Life (1962), are regarded as groundbreaking texts that made Hindu philosophy accessible to Western audiences while maintaining intellectual depth.

During a time when few Indian writers were expressing themselves in English, Radhakrishnan led the way, encouraging others to follow suit. His scholarly revisit to the ancient texts of the Vedas and Upanishads gained attention and appreciation, particularly during the Swadeshi movement, when the revival of Indian culture and heritage was a focal point. Through his interpretations, he brought these forgotten texts into the contemporary conversation, providing fresh insights into their philosophical depths and presenting Hinduism in a renewed light.

Radhakrishnan’s impact extended beyond his writings. He delivered lectures at some of the most prestigious universities around the world, where his ability to articulate Hindu philosophy in English left a lasting impression. These lectures, later compiled into books, presented an image of an Indian intellectual capable of engaging with complex philosophical discourse in the global academic arena. His eloquence and clarity helped dispel misconceptions about Hinduism and showcased the depth of Indian thought.

Additionally, Radhakrishnan contributed significantly to the improvement of higher education in India. He chaired the Radhakrishnan Commission, a body set up to assess the condition of university education in the country and recommend reforms. The commission’s suggestions played a key role in shaping and enhancing the Indian education system, making his influence felt not only in philosophical circles but also in the educational domain.

In summary, Radhakrishnan's contributions to Indian Writing in English were far-reaching, improving the Western understanding of Hinduism, setting an example for Indian intellectuals, and promoting higher education reforms in India. Through his works and lectures, he bridged the gap between Eastern and Western thought, elevating the stature of Indian philosophy in global academic discussions.

• According to Radhakrishnan, what is the function of philosophy?

According to Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the primary function of philosophy is to elevate human understanding to a higher plane. He emphasized that people encounter a wide range of experiences, both personal and philosophical, which are deeply influenced by intuition. Radhakrishnan believed that our experiences are rooted in this intuitive awareness, and grasping the philosophy of intuition is essential for comprehending the higher levels of self. Moreover, he saw philosophy as intricately connected to the fundamental questions of existence and the basic principles of life.

For Radhakrishnan, philosophy was more than just a discipline for gathering knowledge; it was a means of gaining profound insights into life, reality, and values. He argued that philosophy allows us to perceive the interconnectedness of things, revealing deeper truths that are not immediately visible. By guiding individuals through these complex ideas, philosophy helps to unravel the mysteries of existence.

Radhakrishnan also believed that philosophy plays a critical role in fostering intellectual and moral development. It encourages reflective thinking, prompting individuals to engage in critical analysis and make more informed decisions. In this sense, philosophy not only enhances our understanding of the world but also helps us grow as individuals, guiding us towards ethical living. For him, philosophy was ultimately a tool for both deepening our knowledge and bettering ourselves.

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