Early Life and Education

Giani Zail Singh, born as Jarnail Singh on May 5, 1916, in Sandhwan village, Faridkot district, Punjab, hailed from a humble Ramgarhia Sikh family. His father, Kishan Singh, was a carpenter and small-scale farmer known for his devoutness and simplicity. After losing his mother at a young age, Singh was raised by his maternal aunt, Daya Kaur. He pursued religious studies at Shaheed Sikh Missionary College in Amritsar, earning the title “Giani” for his profound knowledge of Sikh scriptures.

Political Activism and Freedom Struggle

Singh’s political journey began early; at 15, he joined the Shiromani Akali Dal, advocating for Sikh rights and Indian independence. In 1938, he founded the Praja Mandal in Faridkot, aligning with the Indian National Congress to challenge the autocratic rule of the local Maharaja. His activism led to a five-year imprisonment, during which he adopted the name “Zail Singh.”

Post-Independence Political Career

Following India’s independence, Singh’s political career flourished. He served as Revenue Minister in the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) in 1949, implementing significant land reforms, including the abolition of the biswedari system, which transferred land ownership to tenant farmers. He later held the Agriculture portfolio and was instrumental in legislating tenant rights.

Singh was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1956, serving until 1962. He then transitioned to state politics, becoming the Chief Minister of Punjab in 1972 after leading the Indian National Congress to a decisive victory in the state elections.

National Leadership and Presidency

In 1980, Singh was appointed Union Minister of Home Affairs under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. His tenure was marked by efforts to maintain internal security during a period of political unrest. In 1982, he was unanimously elected as the 7th President of India, becoming the first Sikh to hold the office.

Singh’s presidency coincided with tumultuous events, including Operation Blue Star in 1984, where the Indian Army stormed the Golden Temple to remove militants. The operation deeply affected him, given his Sikh faith. Following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination later that year, Singh appointed Rajiv Gandhi as her successor. However, tensions arose between Singh and Rajiv Gandhi, particularly over issues like the proposed censorship of private mail, which Singh opposed.

Legacy and Death

After completing his term in 1987, Singh retired from active politics. He passed away on December 25, 1994, due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Singh is remembered for his commitment to secularism, social justice, and his efforts to bridge communal divides. His tenure as President was marked by a dedication to upholding the Constitution and navigating the nation through challenging times.

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