President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to former President V. V. Giri on his birth anniversary at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 10. 

The fourth President of India

• Varahagiri Venkata Giri served as the fourth President of India, holding the office from August 24, 1969, to August 24, 1974.

• Born on August 10, 1894, in Berhampur, Odisha, Giri was a prominent figure in the Indian political landscape, known for his contributions to the labour movement and his strong advocacy for worker’s rights.

• Giri completed his initial education in India before proceeding to Ireland to study law and social science at the University College Dublin. 

• His time in Ireland also saw him participating in the Irish freedom movement, cementing his interest in issues related to labor and social justice.

• Upon his return to India, Giri became actively involved in the Indian freedom struggle. He also emerged as a strong voice for the labour movement, championing the cause of workers and trade unions across the country.

• After Independence, Giri held several significant political positions, including as the Minister of Labour, a role where he could directly impact the cause he was so passionate about. 

• His efforts led to the establishment of the Central Advisory Council and the Indian Labour Conference.

• Giri served as the Vice President of India from 1967 to 1969 before becoming the President of India. 

• Notably, he was the only person to have been elected as an independent candidate to the presidency, underscoring his broad acceptability and popularity across political lines.

• He passed away on June 24, 1980. 

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