President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday paid floral tributes to former President R. Venkataraman on his birth anniversary at Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.
Ramasamy Venkataraman, widely known as R. Venkataraman, served as the eighth President of India from July 25, 1987, to July 25, 1992. Born on December 4, 1910, in Rajamadam, Tamil Nadu, he made significant contributions to Indian politics, governance, and constitutional law during a long and distinguished public life.
Venkataraman completed his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Loyola College, Chennai, and later obtained a law degree from the Law College, Chennai. He began his legal practice at the Madras High Court in 1935 and subsequently appeared before the Supreme Court.
Before entering formal politics, he played an active role in India’s freedom struggle. He participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942 and was detained for two years for his involvement.
After Independence, Venkataraman’s political career gained momentum. He was elected to the Lok Sabha four times and held several key portfolios, including Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance, in the governments of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
In 1984, he was elected Vice President of India, and three years later, he assumed office as the President. His tenure was marked by his deep understanding of constitutional law and his ability to steer the nation through periods of political transition. During his presidency, he worked with four prime ministers and appointed three—V. P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, and P. V. Narasimha Rao—as India entered an era of coalition politics.
In his autobiography, My Presidential Years, Venkataraman wrote that a Congress MP once suggested he seek a second term as President, a proposal he “categorically” declined, citing his wish to retire from active politics and to avoid the manoeuvring required for re-election.
Throughout his career, Venkataraman was admired for his simplicity, intellect, integrity, and unwavering commitment to democratic values. His contributions extended beyond politics into public policy, governance, and the preservation of institutional dignity.
R. Venkataraman passed away on January 27, 2009. As his death occurred a day after Republic Day, several celebratory programmes were cancelled as a mark of respect. He was cremated with full state honours at Ekta Sthal near Raj Ghat.
(IANS)
