THE IDEA OF A UNIVERSITY

THE IDEA OF A UNIVERSITY

The views expressed in this write-up are largely based on the address, delivered at Moscow University on 18^th June 1956, by the former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975).

One of the most prominent scholars of the world, Dr.Radhakrishnan had great interest in education, literature, religion and philosophy.   He was an excellent writer and an equally excellent orator.  He often quoted from Sanskrit scriptures to illustrate a point both in his writings and speeches. His style was aphoristic.  It appears from the references cited in his books that he was gifted with a marvelously reliable memory.

According to his address mentioned above, buildings do not make a university.  It is the teachers and the pupils and their pursuit of knowledge which make the soul of a university.       A university is the sanctuary of the intellectual life of a society.  The healthy roots of national life are to be found in the people.  They are the well-springs of national awakening. They are the spirit behind the   revolutionary movements of society.

When we give education, we start a ferment of debate and discussion of first principles. The educate youth voice their thoughts and find fault with things as they are.

A university trains not only professionals but also men and women who think for themselves.  They do not judge everything by the party line.  If a country destroys the initiative, the freedom of its people, it does so at its peril. The loss of its intellectual vigour makes its future bleak. The true development of a country is the development of the spirit of its people.      

6^th January 2020                                        G. R. KANWAL