Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was arguably one of the most learned and prolific commentators on Hindu philosophy in the 20th century. His commitment to Vedanta led him to consider, in essay after essay, how a good life may be led as a consonance between the higher nature and natural desire. Thinker, academic and public figure, Radhakrishnan came to embody the ideal of the philosopher king.

Born in the religious town of Tirutani in Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan was brought up in a traditional culture, yet benefited from a metropolitan university education. His knowledge of both eastern and western traditions of thought brought him scholarly depth as well as worldly success.

Many prestigious academic appointments came his way, including the Spaulding Chair of Eastern Religion and Philosophy at Oxford, which he held from 1932 to 1952. A diplomat and politician, he also graced the office of President of India from 1962 to 1966.

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