Former Presidents Of India

The President of India is the constitutional head of the Republic of India, the highest authority in the country’s democratic framework, and the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces. As the first citizen of the nation, the President embodies the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India. Since independence, India has had a distinguished line of Presidents who have contributed significantly to the shaping of the nation’s democratic and constitutional institutions.

Constitutional Role and Election

The office of the President is established under Article 52 of the Constitution of India. The President serves as the nominal executive head, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College, comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament and of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union Territories. The term of office is five years, and re-election is permitted.

List of Former Presidents of India (1950–2022)

1. Dr Rajendra Prasad (1950–1962)

• Tenure: 26 January 1950 – 13 May 1962
• Political Affiliation: Indian National Congress
• Significance: The first President of independent India and the only one to serve two consecutive terms. A prominent freedom fighter and President of the Constituent Assembly, he played a key role in framing the Constitution.

2. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962–1967)

• Tenure: 13 May 1962 – 13 May 1967
• Profession: Philosopher, academic, and statesman.
• Significance: Former Vice President and a celebrated scholar of comparative religion and philosophy. His birthday, 5 September, is observed as Teachers’ Day in India.

3. Dr Zakir Husain (1967–1969)

• Tenure: 13 May 1967 – 3 May 1969
• Significance: The first Muslim President of India and an eminent educationist. He passed away while in office, marking the first presidential death during a term.

4. Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1969–1974)

• Tenure: Acting President from 3 May 1969 – 20 July 1969; Elected President from 24 August 1969 – 24 August 1974.
• Significance: The only person to have served as both Acting President and elected President. A strong advocate of labour rights and trade unionism.

5. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974–1977)

• Tenure: 24 August 1974 – 11 February 1977
• Significance: Remembered for proclaiming the Emergency (1975–1977) under Article 352 on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Died in office during the Emergency period.

6. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977–1982)

• Tenure: 25 July 1977 – 25 July 1982
• Significance: The youngest person to hold the office and the first to be elected unopposed. He had previously served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

7. Giani Zail Singh (1982–1987)

• Tenure: 25 July 1982 – 25 July 1987
• Significance: The first Sikh President of India. His tenure was marked by turbulent events, including Operation Blue Star (1984) and the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

8. Ramaswamy Venkataraman (1987–1992)

• Tenure: 25 July 1987 – 25 July 1992
• Significance: Served previously as Vice President and Union Minister. His presidency coincided with political instability and transitions in India’s leadership.

9. Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992–1997)

• Tenure: 25 July 1992 – 25 July 1997
• Significance: Known for his scholarship, legal acumen, and firm adherence to constitutional propriety. Oversaw a period of coalition politics in India.

10. K. R. Narayanan (1997–2002)

• Tenure: 25 July 1997 – 25 July 2002
• Significance: The first Dalit President of India. An advocate of social justice and equality, he was noted for his independent and assertive interpretation of the Constitution.

11. Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002–2007)

• Tenure: 25 July 2002 – 25 July 2007
• Significance: Renowned as the “People’s President”, he was a scientist and key architect of India’s missile and nuclear programmes. His presidency inspired youth through his vision of a developed India by 2020.

12. Pratibha Devisingh Patil (2007–2012)

• Tenure: 25 July 2007 – 25 July 2012
• Significance: The first woman President of India. Her tenure focused on issues of women’s empowerment, education, and rural development.

13. Pranab Mukherjee (2012–2017)

• Tenure: 25 July 2012 – 25 July 2017
• Significance: A veteran parliamentarian and economist with over five decades in public service. He played a vital role in policy formulation and governance, earning respect across political lines.

14. Ram Nath Kovind (2017–2022)

• Tenure: 25 July 2017 – 25 July 2022
• Significance: The second Dalit President of India. A lawyer by profession and former Governor of Bihar, he emphasised social harmony, education, and inclusive governance during his term.

Acting Presidents of India

Occasionally, Vice Presidents have served as Acting Presidents during interim periods caused by the death or resignation of a sitting President. These include:

• V. V. Giri (1969) – Following the death of Dr Zakir Husain.
• Mohammad Hidayatullah (1969) – Served briefly before V. V. Giri’s election.
• B. D. Jatti (1977) – Served after the death of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed until Neelam Sanjiva Reddy took office.

Evolution and Legacy

Since 1950, India’s Presidents have represented diverse backgrounds — from scholars and freedom fighters to jurists, diplomats, and scientists. The evolution of the Presidency reflects the maturing of India’s democratic ethos:

• Rajendra Prasad symbolised the constitutional foundation.
• Radhakrishnan brought intellectual dignity to the office.
• Kalam redefined the presidency through accessibility and vision.
• Pratibha Patil and Ram Nath Kovind reflected social inclusiveness and representation.

Each President has contributed uniquely to upholding constitutional morality, democratic balance, and national unity.