Varahagiri Venkata Giri: 4th President of India

Varahagiri Venkata Giri, commonly known as V. V. Giri, was a prominent Indian labor leader, statesman, and the fourth President of India. He was born on August 10, 1894, in Berhampur, Odisha. He played a vital role in shaping India’s labor movement and political discourse.

Early Life and Education

Nationalist Roots Giri came from a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family. His father, V. V. Jogayya Pantulu, a lawyer and activist, strongly influenced Giri’s nationalist ideals.

Overseas Studies After studying at Khallikote College and the University of Madras, he went to University College Dublin to study law. He joined Sinn Féin while in Dublin, which led the authorities to expel him in 1916.

Labor Movement and Political Career

Championing Workers’ Rights After returning to India, Giri actively engaged in labor activism. He co-founded the All-India Railwaymen’s Federation in 1923 and led the All-India Trade Union Congress as its President in 1926. In 1928, he organized and led the landmark Bengal Nagpur Railway strike, where he secured concessions for the workers.

Political Roles In 1937, he took charge as Madras Presidency’s Minister of Labor and Industry. He joined the Quit India Movement in 1942, which resulted in his imprisonment. After independence, he served as Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Mysore between 1956 and 1967.

Presidency

Path to the top in 1967, India elected him as Vice President. When Zakir Husain died in 1969, Giri stepped in as Acting President. Though the Congress Party nominated Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, Indira Gandhi supported Giri. He ran as an independent candidate and narrowly won, becoming India’s only independent President.

Presidential Tenure From 1969 to 1974, Giri served with neutrality and upheld constitutional values. In 1975, the government awarded him the Bharat Ratna in recognition of his national service.

Legacy

Enduring Influence Throughout his life, Giri consistently advocated for labor rights and democracy. The V. V. Giri National Labour Institute in Noida honors his contributions. He passed away on June 24, 1980, and the nation remembers him as a principled leader and reformer.

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