Biography of V. V. Giri | Early Life and Education - Trade Union Activities - President and Vice President - Later Career and Death of V. V. Giri

Biography of V. V. Giri:

Varahagiri Venkata Giri (V. V. Giri) (10 August 1894 – 24 June 1980) was an Indian politician who served as the fourth President of India. 

Here is a brief biography of V. V. Giri:

Early Life:

Date of Birth: 10 August 1894

Place of Birth: Berhampur, Odisha, British India (present-day Odisha, India)

V. V. Giri was born into a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family.

Biography of V. V. Giri

V. V. Giri's Education:

Giri studied at Khallikote College in Berhampur.

He later attended Dublin University in Ireland, where he studied law.

Early Career:

Giri started his career as a teacher and later became a part of the labour movement in India.

He joined the civil disobedience movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in the 1930s.

Trade Union Activities:

V. V. Giri played a significant role in the trade union movement in India.

He served as the General Secretary of the All India Railwaymen's Federation.

Political Career of V. V. Giri:

Giri entered active politics and was associated with the Indian National Congress.

He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) from 1936 to 1937.

Governorship:

V. V. Giri held several gubernatorial positions, including being the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Kerala.

Vice President of India:

He was elected as the Vice President of India in 1967.

However, he resigned from the position in 1969 to contest the presidential election.

V. V. Giri as President of India:

In 1969, V. V. Giri contested the presidential election as an independent candidate.

He won the election, becoming the fourth President of India.

Giri's victory was notable as he was not the official candidate of any political party.

His presidency lasted from 1969 to 1974.

Constitutional Crisis:

Giri's presidency witnessed a constitutional crisis when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in 1975.

Despite being the President, Giri's powers were limited during the emergency.

Later Career:

After completing his term as President, V. V. Giri continued to be involved in public life.

Death of V. V. Giri:

V. V. Giri passed away on 24 June 1980.

Legacy:

V. V. Giri is remembered for his contributions to the trade union movement and his role as an independent President of India.

His victory in the presidential election as an independent candidate remains a unique episode in Indian political history.

V. V. Giri's career spanned various roles, from a trade union leader to holding key positions in the Indian government. His independent candidacy and victory in the presidential election marked a significant chapter in Indian politics.