On the birth anniversary of former Indian President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the US Embassy in India honored the occasion by sharing rare photographs from his 1963 visit to the United States. The images, showcasing a warm reception by President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy at the White House, underscored a pivotal moment in US-India relations.
“Books are the means by which we build bridges between cultures.” Inspiring quote by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Remembering former Indian President Dr. Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, celebrated as #TeachersDay with a picture from his visit to the U.S. in 1963. pic.twitter.com/0mdtL5bhFm
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 5, 2024
The Embassy’s official social media account featured a touching message, quoting Dr. Radhakrishnan: “Books are the means by which we build bridges between cultures.” This quote perfectly captures Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophy on learning and cross-cultural understanding. The post also noted, “Remembering former Indian President Dr. Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, celebrated as #TeachersDay with a picture from his visit to the U.S. in 1963.”
The shared photos depicted Dr. Radhakrishnan’s arrival in Washington, DC, and his warm welcome by the Kennedy family. The smiling images of the Kennedys greeting the Indian leader highlighted the respect and admiration Dr. Radhakrishnan commanded on the global stage.
The social media post quickly garnered attention, with many users expressing admiration for Dr. Radhakrishnan’s contributions to education and diplomacy.
Teachers’ Day, observed in India on September 5, was established to honor Dr. Radhakrishnan’s significant contributions to education. During his presidency, he requested that his birthday be celebrated as a day dedicated to teachers and their role in shaping society.
Born in 1888, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a distinguished philosopher, academic, and politician. Serving as India’s second president and first vice president from 1952 to 1962, he was known for his deep knowledge of philosophy and religion. His advocacy for education and cultural exchange left a lasting impact, making him a revered figure both in India and internationally. His eloquence and intellectual prowess continue to be celebrated globally.