Early Life and Scientific Beginnings

Krishan Kant was born on 28 February 1927 in Kot Mohammad Khan, in the Amritsar district of Punjab. He hailed from a family deeply involved in India’s freedom struggle—his parents, Lala Achint Ram and Satyavati Devi, were prominent activists. At just 15, he took part in the Quit India Movement and was even arrested alongside his family members. Demonstrating intellectual prowess, he pursued engineering and earned an M.Sc. (Technology) in Chemical Engineering from Banaras Hindu University. Following his studies, he briefly served as a scientist with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in New Delhi before shifting his focus to public service.

Parliamentary Service and Political Evolution

Krishan Kant began his political journey with the Indian National Congress, where he served in the Rajya Sabha representing Haryana from 1966 to 1977. During this period, he chaired the parliamentary Committee on Railway Reservations and Bookings. A firm believer in civil liberties and democratic values, he opposed the imposition of the Emergency (1975–77). His dissent led to his expulsion from Congress and imprisonment for nearly two years. After his release, he joined the Janata Party, winning a seat in the Lok Sabha from Chandigarh (1977–1980). His shift reflected his commitment to reform and principled governance.

Championing Civil Liberties and Reform

Beyond electoral politics, Krishan Kant was a strong advocate for civil rights. In 1976, he co-founded the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and served as its founding General Secretary. The PUCL emerged as one of India’s most respected organizations dedicated to defending freedom of expression, fighting authoritarianism, and protecting vulnerable sections of society. Throughout, Kant was a vocal proponent of electoral reform, transparency, and press freedom—efforts earning him respect as a liberal, reform-minded leader.

Gubernatorial Leadership in Two States

In 1990, Krishan Kant was appointed Governor of Andhra Pradesh. His seven-year tenure is remembered for its fairness and non-partisanship, even as the state navigated political upheavals. He frequently emphasized social justice initiatives and was attentive to cultural and developmental issues. From December 1996 to January 1997, he also held additional charge as Governor of Tamil Nadu. Through his orderly leadership in both states, he built a reputation as a calm, thoughtful administrator—earning praise across party lines.

Vice Presidency and Chairmanship of Rajya Sabha

Krishan Kant was elected the 10th Vice President of India on 16 August 1997. He secured approximately 62% of the electoral vote to defeat his opponent. In his role, he also served as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, where his conduct won admiration for maintaining dignity, procedural fairness, and adherence to constitutional ethics. He presided over several challenging parliamentary sessions, always emphasizing decorum and respect toward all lawmakers. His approach made the position feel more than ceremonial—it became a platform for integrity and impartiality.

Moment in History: The 2001 Parliament Attack

In one of the most harrowing events during his vice presidency, the 2001 terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament took place. Krishan Kant narrowly escaped harm as the assailants targeted his vehicle before moving on. Though shaken, he continued his duties without compromising on the decorum and courage befitting the office. His calm resilience reflected steadfast leadership at a time of national crisis.

Nomination for President and End of Tenure

As his term drew to a close, Krishan Kant emerged as a prominent contender for the 2002 presidential election. He was viewed as a consensus candidate, garnering support from several parties. Yet internal politics resulted in A. P. J. Abdul Kalam being chosen instead. Krishan Kant accepted the outcome with quiet dignity, further reinforcing his legacy as a leader motivated by principle over ambition.

Passing Away in Office and National Mourning

On 27 July 2002, just weeks before concluding his term, Krishan Kant suffered a fatal heart attack. He became the first Vice President in Indian history to die in office. The nation observed three days of state mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. Leaders across political and regional lines paid tribute to his integrity, dedication, and gentle statesmanship. His passing brought to a close an era of exemplary public service grounded in ethics and democratic ideals.

Enduring Legacy

Krishan Kant is remembered as a thoughtful, principled, and unassuming leader—an intellectual with a deep love for Urdu poetry and a passion for science, civil liberties, and education. His contributions across legislative, civic, and gubernatorial roles continue to inspire those who value integrity and the peaceful practice of politics. His tenure sends a timeless message: that public office, when exercised with humility and resolve, can elevate both institutions and public trust.