Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan PRESIDENT OF INDIA 1962-1967

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Technical Data

Stamp Set Birth Centenary
Date of Issue September 5, 1967
Denomination 15 nP
Quantity 2,000,000
Perforation comb 13
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Claret
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 431

Stamp Number IN 454

Yvert et Tellier IN 237

Stanley Gibbons IN 552

Themes

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was not only a philosopher, educator, and diplomat but also a symbol of India’s resurgence on the global stage. Born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani near Madras, he displayed exceptional brilliance and discernment from a young age. Educated at Tirupati, Vellore, and Madras, he embarked on a distinguished academic career, starting as an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Presidency College, Madras.

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s academic journey led him to become a University Professor at Mysore and Calcutta, and he furthered his studies in England and America. His lectures on “An Idealist View of Life” at prestigious universities in London and Manchester were hailed as significant events, showcasing his erudition and mastery of both Eastern and Western thought.

Despite receiving numerous honors and accolades throughout his career, Dr. Radhakrishnan remained characterized by his serenity and sweetness of demeanor. He served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra and Banaras Hindu Universities, and in 1936, he became the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford University, followed by his election as a Fellow of the British Academy.

In 1948, Dr. Radhakrishnan was appointed Chairman of the University Education Commission, and in 1952, he was unanimously elected President of the General Conference of UNESCO. The Government of India honored him with the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, in 1954.

From 1949 to 1952, Dr. Radhakrishnan served as India’s ambassador to the Soviet Union with remarkable success. His uncontested election as Vice President of India in 1952 demonstrated the high esteem in which he was held nationwide, culminating in his presidency of India on May 13, 1962.

As President, Dr. Radhakrishnan brought unique distinction to his office, receiving accolades from international media for his intellectual prowess and profound insights into the mysteries of humanity. He emerged as a cultural ambassador in his own right, embodying the values of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness in all his endeavors.

His contributions, whether in academia, diplomacy, or philosophy, were unparalleled, always centered around the promotion of peace and the defense of human rights. His vision for a new social order, characterized by reason, virtue, and beauty, continues to inspire generations.

In honor of his birth anniversary on September 5, 1967, the Posts and Telegraphs Department felt privileged to issue a special stamp commemorating the legacy of this great son of India, alongside Shri Jawaharlal Nehru and Shrimati Indira Gandhi.