V. V. Giri

Varahagiri Venkata Giri, known as V. V. Giri, was a prominent Indian statesman and diplomat, born on August 10, 1894, in Berhampur to a Telugu Brahmin family. His early education at Khallikote College ignited his passion for activism, leading him to engage in the freedom movement. In 1913, he moved to Ireland to study law at University College Dublin and the Honourable Society of King's Inns, where he was called to the Irish Bar in June 1916. However, he returned to India to pursue a career in law, enrolling at the Madras High Court.

Giri's political journey began with his involvement in the Indian National Congress and the Home Rule Movement. He abandoned his legal career during the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, which led to his arrest during protests in 1922. His dedication to the labour movement was evident when he was elected president of the All India Trade Union Congress in 1926. Giri's political career flourished as he became a member of the Imperial Legislative Assembly in 1934 and served as the minister for labour and industry in 1937.

Throughout his life, Giri faced numerous challenges, including imprisonment during the Quit India Movement from 1942 to 1945. After India's independence, he was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1946 and held the labour portfolio under T. Prakasam. His diplomatic career began as India's first High Commissioner to Ceylon from 1947 to 1951. Giri's political ascent continued as he was elected to the 1st Lok Sabha in 1951 and served as the Union minister of labour until 1954.

After a brief defeat in the Pathapatnam constituency in 1957, Giri served as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, followed by Kerala and Karnataka. His political acumen led him to the vice presidency in 1967, and he became acting president in May 1969 after the death of Zakir Husain. Giri's successful independent candidacy for the presidency, supported by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saw him serve as the President of India from 1969 to 1974. He was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 1975, a testament to his contributions to the nation.

V. V. Giri passed away from a heart attack on June 24, 1980, at the age of eighty-five, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to India's labor movement and political landscape.