2016-06-23 Thu

Varahagiri Venkata Giri commonly known as V. V. Giri – the fourth president of India – passed away on 23rd June 1980. Today is his 36th Death Anniversary.

Born in Telugu Brahmin family of Odisha, he was raised is a nationalist environment. His father and mother both was active nationalist and were a part of the national movement. Like his parents, Mr Giri became a member of Congress party and joined the Freedom Struggle of India.

Mr Giri was closely associated with the labour and trade union movement in India throughout his career. He was not only a founding member of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation but also He was elected president of the All India Trade Union Congress.

Mr Giri swore in as President of India on 24 August 1969. Giri became the only President to have also been an Acting President and the only person to be elected President as an independent candidate.

Though he was known as a "Prime Minister’s President", Mr Giri was honoured with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1975 for his contributions in the area of public affairs. Mr V. V. Giri passed away of a heart attack in Madras on 24 June 1980.

India post honoured him with a commemorative postage stamp released by the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department in 1974. This stamp of 25 Paise features a portrait of the president.