P.T. Raju (Poola Tirupati Raju) (3 September 1904 – 8 December 1992) was a renowned Indian philosopher, writer, and academic who played a pivotal role in the modern development of comparative philosophy. He was a professor at multiple places, including The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, where he taught multiple courses on East-Asian and Indian philosophy. Raju's works are significant in the field of philosophy as they bridge the gap between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. He is well-known for bringing Indian philosophy to the attention of the American academy and the broader Western world.
Early Life and Education
Poola Tirupati Raju was born on September 3, 1904. Raju earned a B.A. from Allahabad University in 1928, followed by an M.A. from Calcutta University in 1930. He completed his Ph.D. at Calcutta University in 1935. Additionally, he obtained the Sampurna Madhyama in Nyaya (Indian Logic) from Benares Sanskrit College in 1926 and the Sastri in Sanskrit Literature from the same institution in 1929.
Academic Career
Raju began his academic career as a Lecturer and Reader in Philosophy at Andhra University in Waltair, where he worked from 1932 to 1949. He then served as a University Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur from 1949 to 1962. In 1962, he joined The College of Wooster in Ohio as a Professor of Philosophy and Indian Studies, a position he held until his passing.
Major Contributions and Works
Raju authored several influential books that delve into various aspects of Indian thought and its comparison with Western philosophies. His major works include:
- Idealistic Thought of India (1953) - An examination of India's idealistic philosophical traditions.
- Telugu Literature (1944) - An exploration of the history and development of Telugu literature.
- Introduction to Comparative Philosophy (1962) - A study that contrasts Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.
- The Philosophical Traditions of India (1972) - An extensive overview of Indian philosophical schools and their teachings.
- Structural Depths of Indian Thought (1985) - A detailed analysis of the layers and complexity of Indian philosophical systems.
- Vedanta and Buddhism in the Light of Western Idealism (1973) - A comparative analysis of Vedanta and Buddhism with Western idealism.
- Spirit, Being, and Self (1982) - An inquiry into the concepts of spirit, being, and self in various traditions.
- East-West Studies on the Problem of the Self (1965) - A study bridging Eastern and Western perspectives on the concept of self.
- India's Culture and Her Problems (1947) - An analysis of the cultural and social challenges in mid-20th century India.
- Intian Filosofia (1974) - A comprehensive overview of Indian philosophy.
- Indian Idealism and Modern Challenges (1961) - An examination of the relevance of Indian idealism in the modern world.
- Bauddha Vijñāna Vāda Athavā Bauddha Darśana Tathā Usakā Vikāsa (1958) - A study on Buddhist philosophy and its development.
In addition to his books, Raju edited "The Concept of Man: A Study in Comparative Philosophy," written by the eminent philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. His contributions were recognized by the Government of India with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honor, awarded in 1958 for his contributions to literature and education. Raju's work continues to inspire and influence scholars in the fields of Indian philosophy and comparative studies.
Professional Honors and Recognitions
Raju received several academic distinctions throughout his career, including:
- Sectional President, Indian Philosophical Congress, 1938
- Sectional President, All-India Oriental Conference, 1943
- General President, All-India Philosophical Conference, 1958
- General President, Indian Philosophical Congress, 1960
- President, One Plenary Session, XIII International Congress of Philosophy, 1963 (Mexico City)
- Lecturer as a Representative Thinker, International Congress of Philosophy, 1968 (Vienna)
- Director, Conference on Comparative Philosophy and Culture, Wooster, 1965
- Director and Professor, Seminar on Hinduism, Wooster, 1967
National Honors and Political Involvement
In 1958, Raju was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to philosophy and East-West understanding. Earlier in his life, he was involved in the Indian nationalist movement and was imprisoned for his participation. He was later recognized with the Certificate of Political Sufferers by Independent India in 1922.
International Teaching Experience
Raju held several visiting professorships at prestigious institutions worldwide, including:
- Tata Visiting Professor of Indian Philosophy, The Asia Institute, New York, 1949
- Visiting Professor of Philosophy, University of California, Berkeley, 1950
- Visiting Professor of Philosophy, University of Hawaii, 1949, 1959, 1964
- Visiting Professor for Comparative Philosophy, University of Illinois, Urbana, 1952-53
- Merton Guest Professor, University of Mainz, West Germany
- Visiting Professor of Philosophy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 1962
- Gillespie Visiting Professor for Eastern (Indian) Studies, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, 1962-64
Professional Affiliations
Raju was a member of several professional and scientific organizations, including:
- P.E.N.
- American Philosophical Association, Eastern Division
- American Philosophical Association, Western Division
- Indian Philosophical Congress
- All-India Oriental Conference