Each year on the 5th of September, India bows in reverence to Teachers’ Day, a day that shines in memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the philosopher-king of knowledge, a guiding teacher, and the nation’s second President. When students once asked to celebrate his birthday, he humbly suggested that the day should instead be marked as Teachers’ Day, a true reflection of his humility and reverence for the teaching profession.
In Vedic astrology, teachers are represented by the planet Jupiter (Guru), the planet of wisdom, ethics, and higher learning. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s life offers not only social inspiration but also deep spiritual and astrological lessons for every seeker. Let us explore five life lessons we can learn from him.
1. Humility – The Real Mark of Wisdom
Dr. Radhakrishnan never considered his achievements as personal glory. Despite being a philosopher respected globally, he remained humble.
- Astrological Insight: Jupiter teaches humility. When Jupiter is strong in a horoscope, a person naturally develops respect for others and a balanced ego.
- Practical Remedy: If you struggle with pride or arrogance, chant the Guru Mantra – “ॐ गुरवे नमः” every Thursday and donate yellow sweets to children.
2. Education as Service
For Dr. Radhakrishnan, education was not just about knowledge but about service to society. He believed that learning should build character and compassion.
- Astrological Insight: The 9th House (Dharma Bhava) in astrology reflects higher learning and service to humanity. A strong 9th house guides individuals toward righteous action.
- Practical Remedy: Strengthen your 9th house by reading sacred texts, practicing charity, and respecting teachers or mentors in your life.
3. Balance Between East and West
As a philosopher, he bridged Indian spiritual wisdom with Western philosophy, presenting Vedanta to the world with clarity.
- Astrological Insight: Mercury (intellect) combined with Jupiter (wisdom) brings the ability to connect diverse ideas and present them harmoniously.
- Practical Remedy: To sharpen intellect and wisdom together, offer water to the rising Sun daily at 6:00 AM IST while chanting Gayatri Mantra. This balances learning with spiritual growth.
4. Leadership Rooted in Knowledge
Even as President of India, he lived a simple life, proving that true leadership comes from knowledge, not authority.
- Astrological Insight: A strong 10th house (career and karma) with Jupiter’s blessings creates leaders who guide with ethics rather than power.
- Practical Remedy: Light a ghee lamp in front of Lord Vishnu on Thursdays to invite wisdom-driven leadership into your professional and personal life.
5. Respect for the Teacher–Student Bond
He always emphasized that the Guru–Shishya Parampara is sacred. A teacher is not just an instructor but a guide for the soul.
- Astrological Insight: In astrology, Jupiter’s placement shows the kind of teachers one attracts. If afflicted, one may face misleading guidance.
- Practical Remedy: On Teachers’ Day, express gratitude to your mentors. If you do not have a teacher in your life, pray to Lord Brihaspati for guidance.
Final Thoughts
The life of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan glows like a lamp of wisdom, where humility is its oil and service its steady flame, leaving an eternal light upon the world. By honoring teachers, we honor the planet Jupiter, the eternal Guru of the cosmos.
This Teachers’ Day, reflect on his lessons, thank your mentors, and strengthen your own Guru Tattva through prayer, humility, and learning. Remember the Sanskrit verse:
“गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः ।
गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥”
On this sacred day, let us walk the path of knowledge with gratitude, guided by the timeless teachings of Dr. Radhakrishnan.
Q: How can I honor Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s teachings astrologically on Teachers’ Day?
A: You can honor his wisdom by strengthening your Guru (Jupiter) in the horoscope. Simple remedies include:
- Chanting “ॐ गुरवे नमः” on Thursdays.
- Donating yellow food items to students or teachers.
