Assignment on Radhakrishnan and His Works
Name: Nirali Dabhi
Roll number: 13
Enrollment Number: 4069206420220006
Sem: 3 M.A
Paper number: 202
Paper Code: 22407
Paper Name: Indian English Literature – Post-Independence
Topic: Radhakrishnan and His Works
Submitted to: Smt S.B. Gardi, Department of English, M.K.B.U
Email: niralidabhi95@gmail.com
Indian writing in English traces its origins to the late 18th century, gaining distinctive characteristics and strength during the 19th century. Indian writing in English, or Indo-English, refers to literature written in English by Indian authors. It distinguishes itself from Anglo-Indian literature, which was produced by Englishmen in India and often focused on the romantic and exotic aspects of the country. Anglo-Indian literature is described as "merely English literature marked by Indian local color." The origins of Indian writing in English predate the establishment of British colonial rule in India and have endured beyond the collapse of the Empire.
The resilience of Indian writing in English can be attributed to the English education provided by Christian missionaries in the 19th and 20th centuries and the Indian mind's adaptability to Western education. Indian writers in English have managed to merge typically Indian elements such as "feeling," "emotion," and "experience" with the discipline imposed by the English language.
English, having been domesticated and nativized in India, is considered one of the country's own languages, alongside Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, Bengali, and others. Literature written in Indianized or nativized English is termed Indian English literature, bearing a distinct Indianness that encompasses life attitudes, modes of perception, life patterns, the behavior of the people, and traditions that have developed over the years in India.
Indianness, or the Indian experience of life, cannot be rigidly defined, as its expression varies among individuals and across different genres of writing. Indian English literature reflects the richness and variety of the Indian experience, embodying the Indian sensibility that has evolved from the Vedic period. The process of reconciling tradition with the contemporary, developing an indigenous sensibility, and coming to terms with both has been a complex historical journey for Indian writers in English and their counterparts in regional languages. This evolution has contributed to the color and beauty of Indian English literature.
Professor Radhakrishnan, the most prominent among the three, is a philosopher-statesman of international renown. He is a scholar known for his exceptional memory, a compelling and articulate speaker, and a prolific writer with a remarkable gift for clarity and epigrammatic strength.
Raghunathan, also recognized by his pen name Vighneswara, is a profound scholar of English and Sanskrit literature. He served as the leader-writer for the Hindu for many years, but it was his 'Sotto Voce' weekly essays that left a significant impact on the readers of Swatantra and Swarajya.
Nirad Chaudhuri, previously an "unknown Indian" until the publication of his Autobiography in 1951, is a master of prose style. He is an intellectual who dares to stand apart from the crowd and a critic of Indian society with a capacity for incisive analysis akin to Jonathan Swift. Each of these figures has sought to interpret Indian history and thought, and while their approaches may differ, their integrity is unquestionable.
Three masters of prose are identified in India by K.R Srinivasa Iyengar in his book "Indian Writing in English'.
Introduction of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a prominent Indian philosopher and politician, served as the 2nd President of India from 1962 to 1967 and the 1st Vice President of India from 1952 to 1962. Additionally, he held the position of the 2nd Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952 and served as the 4th Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University from 1939 to 1948.
Renowned as one of the most distinguished scholars of comparative religion and philosophy in the twentieth century, Radhakrishnan's philosophical foundation was rooted in Advaita Vedanta. He reinterpreted this tradition to make it more accessible for contemporary understanding. Radhakrishnan actively defended Hinduism against what he perceived as "uninformed Western criticism," significantly contributing to the shaping of contemporary Hindu identity. His influence extended to both India and the West, earning him a reputation as a bridge-builder between the two.
Radhakrishnan received numerous prestigious awards, including a knighthood in 1931, the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award) in 1954, and honorary membership in the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963. He was also a co-founder of Helpage India, a non-profit organization dedicated to elderly underprivileged individuals in India. Radhakrishnan strongly advocated for the importance of quality educators, expressing the belief that "Teachers should be the best minds in the country." Since 1962, his birthday has been celebrated as Teachers' Day in India on 5th September each year.
His Fabrication:-
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a man of profound vision, recognized the growing need for global unity and universal fellowship during his tenure. Advocating for international peace and cooperation, he called for the promotion of creative internationalism based on spiritual foundations. His goal was to foster understanding and tolerance among people and nations. Despite lacking an active political background, Radhakrishnan passionately defended Hindu culture against what he perceived as "uninformed Western criticism," emphasizing simple yet effective philosophies.
His Awards:-
His remarkable contributions earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 1954, making him the first recipient of the Sahitya Akademi fellowship. He received the Peace Prize of German Book Trade in 1961 and the Templeton Prize in 1975. Radhakrishnan donated the award money from the Templeton Prize to Oxford University.
During his presidency, Radhakrishnan's students and friends expressed a desire to celebrate his birthday, September 5th. However, he suggested observing the day as Teacher's Day instead of celebrating his birthday. Since then, September 5th has been commemorated as Teacher's Day in India. Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the realms of philosophy, education, and humanitarianism. His profound contributions make him a revered figure in India.
His Works:-
Among his notable written works are "Indian Philosophy," "The Philosophy of the Upanishads," "Eastern Religions," and "Western Thoughts." In his major work on the Idealist View of Life, he underscored the importance of instinctive thinking.
The function of his Philosophy:-
Professor Radhakrishnan's philosophy, both as a teacher and writer, reflects a steadfast commitment to a path chosen six decades ago. His illustrious career includes teaching at prominent universities like Madras, Mysore, Calcutta, and Oxford, serving as Vice-Chancellor for Andhra and Banaras Hindu Universities, presiding over UNESCO General Conference and All India Writers' Conference, leading the Sahitya Akademi and P. E. N. All-India Centre, delivering prestigious lectures, addressing international gatherings, and representing India as an ambassador to Soviet Russia, Vice-President, and President.
Radhakrishnan's contribution to philosophy remained substantial. During his ten-year vice presidency and five-year Presidency, he navigated a hectic schedule of speeches, conference openings, diplomatic interactions, and official functions. Remarkably, amidst this whirlwind of activity, Radhakrishnan consistently spoke directly to the point, connecting even casual speeches to his central philosophy of life. His ability to maintain coherence and relevance in his speeches, regardless of the circumstances, underscores his distinction as a profound thinker and speaker.
Radhakrishnan's intellectual breadth, expansive mindset, inclusive tastes, and the quality of his eloquence position him as a "Guru" for his contemporaries. Described by Sarojini Naidu as a man of "words and wisdom," Radhakrishnan's enduring influence extends beyond academia, making him a revered figure in various spheres of public life.
Perspective on Hinduism:-
Radhakrishnan's perspective on Hinduism is characterized by its dual merit. His work serves as an interpretation of Indian philosophy from an insider's viewpoint and an exposition of Indian philosophical thought presented in an intelligible and appealing manner for Western audiences. Beyond being a historian of Indian philosophy, Radhakrishnan emerges as a thinker who integrates philosophy into his way of life—a tool for understanding and transforming life.
This integration is evident in his Upton Lectures (The Hindu View of Life, 1927) and Hibbert Lectures (An Idealist View of Life, 1932). These lectures, originally addressed to Christian audiences in the West, showcase Radhakrishnan's role as an apologist for the Hindu and Vedantic view of life, particularly rooted in Advaita Vedanta. He adeptly communicates the uniqueness of the Hindu perspective while highlighting its connections with the Western Christian way of life.
Radhakrishnan's clarity of expression, seemingly deceptively simple, is evident in his articulation of Hinduism in The Hindu View of Life. Although recognizing that his portrayal may not align entirely with the existing Hinduism, he courageously envisions a remodeled Hinduism that resonates more closely with his aspirations. Radhakrishnan boldly rethinks these concepts from the broader perspective of traditional Hinduism and contemporary thought. While the fundamental questions in philosophy remain unchanged, Radhakrishnan emphasizes the necessity of formulating answers in response to the urgent concerns of the time. This approach reflects his commitment to an evolving, relevant, and living philosophy.
Writing Style:-
Professor Radhakrishnan's writing style is characterized by its clarity, vigor, and the seamless integration of clear and vigorous English with clear and vigorous thinking. Reviewers have noted that his clear and vigorous language stems from a profound intellectual depth, occasionally rising to poetic heights. This combination of artistic sensibility and scholarly intellect contributes to the success of his works.
Among his notable contributions, "An Idealist View of Life" stands out as Radhakrishnan's most valuable work in constructive philosophy. In this book, he skillfully brings together Eastern and Western perspectives, creating a voice that resonates universally. Radhakrishnan sees the function of philosophy as providing a spiritual rallying center, a synoptic vision that harmonizes various perspectives and frees the spirit of religion from doubt and sectarian conflicts.
In his Hibbert Lectures, Radhakrishnan explores the relationship between the convictions of religious seers and the tested laws and principles of the universe. He employs the art of teaching to guide listeners from the familiar to the recondite, making complex concepts, such as the Hindu theory of Karma, accessible.
The overall work is a compelling argument in defense of the idealist view of life, emphasizing the mysterious, unclear, and inarticulate knowledge that brings humanity closest to reality.
Conclusion:-
The conclusion reflects on Radhakrishnan's exceptional qualities—memory, industry, curiosity, adaptability, and readiness to face new challenges. However, it emphasizes that these qualities alone cannot explain the phenomenon of Professor Radhakrishnan. The inner poise, hidden fire, and spirit reminiscent of ancient Indian Rishis and Acharyas are identified as the driving forces behind his sustained influence over half a century. His writings and speeches, irrespective of their outer form, consistently reflect the spirit of the ancient Rishis, earning him respectful attention worldwide.
References:-
- “Course Maerials.” SIST, https://sist.sathyabama.ac.in/sist_coursematerial/.
- “Indian Writing in English : Kodaganallur Ramaswamy Srinivasa Iyengar: Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming.” Internet Archive, 1 Jan. 1985, https://archive.org/details/indian-writing-in-english/mode/2up.
- Singh, Sunil Kumar. “The Great Teacher Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:Life,Vision and Actions.” Academia.edu, https://www.academia.edu/1990663/The_Great_Teacher_Dr_Sarvepalli_Radhakrishnan_Life_Vision_and_Actions.
- Vedantu. “Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Essay.” VEDANTU, Vedantu, 27 Apr. 2022, https://www.vedantu.com/english/sarvepalli-radhakrishnan-essay.
Word Count:- 1824
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