The S. Radhakrishnan Centre for Philosophy and Indian Culture was inaugurated at Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Bhavan, the century-old building popularly known as ‘Radhakrishnan’s bungalow’, at Saraswathipuram here on Thursday.
The University of Mysore paid tribute to the former president, philosopher-statesman and Bharat Ratna by establishing the centre at the building where S. Radhakrishnan resided when he was professor of philosophy here.
Founder-president of PES Educational Institutions, Bangalore, and M.R. Doreswamy, MLC, inaugurated the centre on the birth anniversary of Dr. Radhakrishnan, which is celebrated as Teacher’s Day.
Vice-Chancellor K.S. Rangappa, the former Vice-Chancellor M. Madaiah, officials and faculty members of the university were present.
Dr. Doreswamy had extended financial support for the restoration of ‘Radhakrishnan’s bungalow’ which was in a dilapidated condition. The building was restored last year.
Later, speaking to presspersons, Dr. Doreswamy said: “The building has been beautifully restored retaining its original architecture. It was a challenge to restore this heritage building which was built using traditional materials such as mortar.”
The educationist said he had requested the university to make use of the renovated building. Accordingly, the university has set up the centre for philosophy and Indian culture. “It’s a befitting tribute to Dr. Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary,” he said.
‘Organise lectures’
Dr. Doreswamy urged the Vice-Chancellor to organise lectures by world-famous philosophers at the centre at least twice a year. “My institution (PES Institutions) is ready to take the responsibility of organising a lecture in a year and the university can hold another lecture,” he suggested.
The Vice-Chancellor agreed to organise lectures at the centre.
Prof. Rangappa also said the university would develop a museum at the centre in memory of Dr. Radhakrishnan. The centre would also encourage research on philosophy, he said and added that the public should make use of the library set up at the centre.
Earlier, Prof. Madaiah declared the display of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s writings and speeches open. Prof. Rangappa unveiled a portrait of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
