Varahagiri Venkata Giri, commonly known as V. V. Giri was an Indian politician who served as the fourth President of India.
Here are some key points about his life and career:
- Birth: V. V. Giri was born on August 10, 1894, in Berhampur, Odisha, British India.
- Education: Giri obtained his education at Khallikote Autonomous College in Berhampur and later at the Banaras Hindu University.
- Civil Service Career: He entered the Indian Civil Service in 1919 and served in various administrative capacities under the British colonial administration.
- Trade Unionist: V. V. Giri became involved in the trade union movement and was associated with workers' rights. He played a significant role in the establishment of the All India Railwaymen's Federation.
- Governor-General's Bodyguard: During his early career, Giri served as an officer in the Governor-General's Bodyguard.
- Union Minister: V. V. Giri held several ministerial portfolios in independent India, including serving as the Minister of Labour.
- Vice President of India: He served as the Vice President of India from 1967 to 1969.
- Acting President: V. V. Giri assumed the role of Acting President of India after the death of President Zakir Hussain in 1969.
- Presidential Election 1969: In the presidential election of 1969, V. V. Giri ran as an independent candidate against the official candidate of the ruling party. He won the election, becoming the fourth President of India. His victory was seen as a departure from the party line.
- Resignation: V. V. Giri resigned from the presidency in 1974 after differences with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He sought re-election to seek a renewed mandate from the people.
- Second Term as President: In the re-election held in 1974, V. V. Giri won as an independent candidate with the support of opposition parties.
- Death: V. V. Giri passed away on June 24, 1980, in Madras (now Chennai), India.
V. V. Giri's presidency was marked by political challenges and controversies, particularly during the period of the Emergency in India. His two non-consecutive terms as President reflected the complexity of Indian politics during that era.
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