I remember having read this somewhere, but forgot it. I am happy this turned up.
This astonishing story is about S. Radhakrishnan, our Philosopher-President. Remember him?
Well, here is the stuff I was looking for:
"Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the world famous philosopher and one of the most illustrious Presidents of India, was Narasimham's nephew. Surprisingly enough, Dr. Radhakrishnan, who is esteemed for his erudition and wisdom, was rather dull as a child. His father was very much upset by Radhakrishnan's nature, and concerned about his future. Narasimham offered to take the boy to Vellore and take care of his education. Upon reaching Vellore, Narasimham initiated his nephew in the Ramataraka Mantram. Constant repetition of this potent Mantram resulted in the blossoming of Radhakrishnan's intellect and he grew into a brilliant student. He joined the Uris College in Vellore and passed his Intermediate course. By taking care of Radhakrishnan during the formative years of his life, and by helping him through the initial stages of his academic career, Narasimham can be said to have laid the foundation for Radhakrishnan's success in later life."
via HARE RAMA HARE KRISHNA
What do you make of it?
Attentively repeating a mantra will help improve your mental faculties. No wonder it helped. Thing is, our past president was obedient enough to perform what his uncle asked him to do. The same cannot be expected of children in these days. They will bombard you with questions, counter theory and nonsensical reasons that you will give up before they start.
ReplyDeletebalajhi, thanks for the comments. What you say is true. but i find it astonishing that radhakrishnan was dull as a boy.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite possible Bas. Whether a child is dull or bright, to a great degree depends on the environment he grows up. In families you will often find younger lot more brighter because the elder children provide the right kind of environment for their younger siblings. But where there are no children around to play with and adults having less or no time for children, children will seem less bright or dull. If enough exposure is denied for them by the right age then they may become dull for life.
ReplyDeleteyes balajhi, but the point is, i can't imagine s. radhakrishnan ever having been academically dull- his language is so smooth, and the presentation so fluent...
ReplyDeleteunless he plagiarised, of course, as some seem to have accused him of.