Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is India’s former President and the most worshipped teacher of modern times. Heritage City Mysuru has a strong connection with him. During 1918, Dr. Radhakrishnan was selected as Professor of Philosophy by the University of Mysore, where he taught at Maharaja’s College.
During his tenure, he was allotted a residence at Saraswathipuram which is now more than a century old. This bungalow is said to be built before 1916. It is popularly known as ‘Radhakrishnan House’. Owing to lack of maintenance, the heritage building stood dilapidated. In view of the structure’s association with Radhakrishnan, it was deemed fit to be restored by experts. It is now called ‘Dr.S.Radhakrishnan Centre for Philosophy and Indian Culture’.
Restoration was made possible due to the munificence of M.R. Doreswamy, MLC and Founder President of PES Educational Institutions who generously contributed ₹78 lakh for the purpose. Restoration was done using authentic building materials and was closely monitored by Prof. N.S.Rangaraju, Dept. of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore. It was inaugurated on September 5th, 2013. This is now a library and a study centre with memorabilia related to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
There are many books related to various subjects in this house. Interested people can come and read the books of their choice. It is a spacious place with an excellent seating arrangement. Many students are being benefited by this free library and the heritage building is nothing less than a visual treat.
Did You Know:
The old building of Krishnarajendra Hospital, popularly known as ‘Doddaspathre’ among Mysureans was first constructed in 1878. The new building was constructed in 1918. It stands grand as a heritage monument.