Ramaswamy Venkataraman, President of India
President of India

Ramaswamy Venkataraman

Born 4 December 1910 · Tamil Nadu — Died 27 January 2009

Served as the 8th President of India from 1987 to 1992.

Ramaswamy Venkataraman, also known as R. Venkataraman, was an Indian lawyer, independence activist and politician who served as a union minister and as the vice president of india and president of India. Venkataraman was born in Rajamadam village in Tanjore district, Madras Presidency. He studied law and practised in the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court of India. In his youth, he was an activist for the Indian independence movement, and he participated in the Quit India Movement.

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A detail that
surprised us

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In 1946, Venkataraman was among the few Indian lawyers sent abroad to defend compatriots in Malaya and Singapore charged with wartime collaboration, reflecting his early involvement in international legal battles.

The Story

1
In 1942, Ramaswamy Venkataraman was imprisoned for two years under the Defence of India Rules due to his active role in the Quit India Movement, marking his early defiance against British colonial rule.
2
🌍 Between 1947 and 1950, he was part of a legal panel sent to Malaya and Singapore to defend Indians accused of collaborating with Japanese forces during WWII, showcasing his legal acumen on an international stage.
3In 1950, Venkataraman was elected to India’s Provisional Parliament and later to the First Lok Sabha, positioning him at the heart of shaping the newly independent nation’s legislative framework.
4📊 From 1980 to 1982, he served as the Union Finance Minister, navigating India’s economy during a period marked by global financial shifts and domestic challenges.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
1998)
—
Bharat Ratna (posthumous

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Despite his high offices, Venkataraman spent two years in prison during 1942–44 due to his participation in the Quit India Movement, a period that deepened his commitment to India’s independence struggle.

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Through the Years

5 photographs from the archives
President Ramaswamy Venkataraman greeted by Queen Beatrix in Amsterdam during a state visit (1988)
President Ramaswamy Venkataraman greeted by Queen Beatrix in Amsterdam during a state visit (1988)
1988
President Ramaswamy Venkataraman presenting the National Productivity Award at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi (1988)
President Ramaswamy Venkataraman presenting a National Award to Akbar Khan in India (1989)
Former President Ramaswamy Venkataraman attending a general meeting at the President's House (1989)
President Ramaswamy Venkataraman and First Lady Janaki Venkataraman with Princess Diana and Prince Charles

🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Rajamadam, Tamil Nadu
Ramaswamy Venkataraman was born in a Tamil Brahmin family in Rajamadam village, Tanjore district, Madras Presidency.
1910
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Career
Enrolled as lawyer at Madras High Court
Started his legal practice in Madras High Court after completing his law degree.
1935
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Career
Imprisoned during Quit India Movement
Detained for two years under Defence of India Rules due to active participation in the Quit India Movement.
1942
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Career
Defended Indians in Malaya and Singapore
Selected as part of a legal panel to defend Indian nationals accused of collaboration during Japanese occupation.
1946
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Career
Elected to Provisional Parliament
Became a member of India’s Provisional Parliament soon after independence.
1950
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Career
Appointed Union Finance Minister
Managed India's finances during a challenging economic period from 1980 to 1982.
1980
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Career
Elected Vice President of India
Took office as Vice President, a key constitutional position in India.
1984
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Career
Became President of India
Elected as the 8th President of India, serving until 1992 amid political challenges.
1987
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Death
Passed away at age 98
Ramaswamy Venkataraman died, closing a long chapter of public service.
2009
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

In 1952, Venkataraman was a workers’ delegate at the International Labour Organisation’s Metal Trades Committee session, linking his political career with global labor issues early on.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Before becoming President, he practiced law at both the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court of India, enrolling in the Supreme Court in 1951, showcasing his deep legal roots.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Venkataraman’s academic path included a master’s degree in economics from Loyola College, Madras, blending law and economics in his policymaking approach.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
IN CONVERSATION- LATE. R. VENKATARAMAN
More from this archive
IN CONVERSATION- LATE. R. VENKATARAMAN
01
IN CONVERSATION- LATE. R. VENKATARAMAN
R Venkataraman speech at the launch of his book 'My Presidential Years'
02
R Venkataraman speech at the launch of his book 'My Presidential Years'
R. Venkataraman | Former President | Integrity of President
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R. Venkataraman | Former President | Integrity of President
Akbar Khan honored with National Award 1989 by President of India Ramaswamy Venkataraman
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Akbar Khan honored with National Award 1989 by President of India Ramaswamy Venkataraman
Biopic/R.Venkataraman/Part-2/2002 production/Indian Imprints Channel
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Biopic/R.Venkataraman/Part-2/2002 production/Indian Imprints Channel

🌱 What changed because of them

Venkataraman’s tenure as Finance Minister saw him steer India through critical economic decisions during the early 1980s, contributing to policy continuity before the liberalization era. His presidency (1987–1992) coincided with significant political turbulence, where his constitutional adherence helped maintain democratic stability. His earlier legal defense efforts and parliamentary roles also helped shape India's post-independence legal and political institutions.

💬 Social Buzz

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