**First Chairman of Rajya Sabha?**
Verified**Explanation:**
Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan became the first Chairman of the Rajya Sabha when India's Parliament was established after independence. As the Vice President of India, he automatically assumed the role of Rajya Sabha Chairman, as per the constitutional provisions laid down in our Constitution.
Born on September 5, 1888, Dr. Radhakrishnan was not just a political figure but also a renowned philosopher, teacher, and scholar. Before entering politics, he had an illustrious academic career, serving as a professor at various prestigious universities including Oxford University in England. His deep understanding of philosophy and education made him particularly well-suited for leadership roles in the newly independent nation.
The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Unlike the Lok Sabha, where members are directly elected by the people, Rajya Sabha members are elected by the Legislative Assemblies of states and union territories. This makes the Rajya Sabha a federal chamber representing the interests of different states in the national legislature.
Dr. Radhakrishnan served as the Chairman of Rajya Sabha from 1952 to 1962, a period of ten years during which he helped establish many of the conventions and procedures that the house follows even today. His tenure was marked by dignity, impartiality, and scholarly wisdom. He was known for conducting the proceedings of the house with great efficiency and maintaining the decorum that befits the upper chamber of Parliament.
What made Dr. Radhakrishnan particularly special was his ability to bridge the gap between Eastern philosophy and Western thought. His speeches and interventions in the Rajya Sabha often reflected this unique perspective, bringing depth and philosophical insight to political discussions. Members from all political parties respected him for his knowledge, fairness, and the way he treated every member with equal dignity regardless of their political affiliations.
After completing his term as Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Dr. Radhakrishnan went on to become the second President of India, serving from 1962 to 1967. His birthday, September 5th, is celebrated as Teacher's Day in India, honoring his contribution to education and his belief that teachers should be the best minds in the country.
