Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, (1888-1975) is universally recognized as modern India's greatest philosopher. He was also a statesman of distinction, and even compared to Plato's ideal of the philosopher-king.

Born in the pilgrim soil of Tirupati (now in Andhra Pradesh), he imbibed lasting impression of India's Vedic heritage during his formative years. Starting with his first teaching appointment in the Department of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College in 1909, he quickly established his reputation, and in 1921 became George V Professor of Philosophy in Calcutta University and the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at Oxford University in 1936. In 1952 he accepted the office of India's first Vice President, and in 1962 assumed the office of the President of India.