V. V. Giri, Trade Union Leader, Former President of India
Trade Union Leader, Former President of India

V. V. Giri

Born 10 August 1894 · Odisha — Died 23 June 1980

Served as the fourth President of India from 1969 to 1974 after acting as Vice President.

Varahagiri Venkata Giri, better known as V. V. Giri was an Indian statesman, activist, and diplomat who served as the president of India from 1969 to 1974. He previously served as the vice president of India from 1967 to 1969 and the minister of labour from 1952 to 1954.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

In 1928, Giri led a peaceful strike of Bengal Nagpur Railway workers that compelled the British government to concede to retrenchment demands, a rare victory in colonial India.

The Story

1
In 1913, V. V. Giri left Berhampur, Odisha, to study law at University College Dublin, where his involvement with Irish nationalist movements led to his deportation in 1916.
2
🌟 By 1923, Giri helped found the All India Railwaymen's Federation and became its general secretary, marking his deepening role in India's labour struggles.
3In 1928, he led a landmark nonviolent strike of Bengal Nagpur Railway workers that successfully forced the British Indian government to meet workers' demands.
4Arrested multiple times, Giri spent three years in prison from 1942 to 1945 during the Quit India Movement, underscoring his commitment to India's freedom and labour rights.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Bharat Ratna

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 1916, while studying in Ireland, Giri was deported by the British for participating in Irish nationalist protests, linking Indian and Irish anti-colonial struggles.

🖼️

Through the Years

4 photographs from the archives
President of India V. V. Giri inaugurating the Oil Refinery at Madras (1969)
President of India V. V. Giri inaugurating the Oil Refinery at Madras (1969)
1969
President V. V. Giri administering the oath of office to Vice President G.S. Pathak at Rashtrapati Bhavan (1969)
President V. V. Giri with President Julius Nyerere at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi (1971)
President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed conferring the Bharat Ratna award on Dr. V. V. Giri at Rashtrapati Bhavan (1975)

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Berhampur, Odisha
Varahagiri Venkata Giri was born into a Telugu Brahmin family in Berhampur, then part of the Madras Presidency.
1894
📚
Education
Begins law studies in Dublin
Giri moved to Ireland to study law at University College Dublin and King's Inns, engaging with Irish nationalist movements.
1913
⚡
Career
Called to Irish Bar and deported
He was called to the Irish Bar but deported to India for political activism against British rule.
1916
⚡
Career
Founding member of Railwaymen's Federation
Helped found the All India Railwaymen's Federation and served as its general secretary, cementing his labour leadership.
1923
⚡
Career
Leads Bengal Nagpur Railway strike
Led a successful nonviolent strike for retrenched workers’ rights, forcing government concessions.
1928
⚡
Career
Imprisoned during Quit India Movement
Spent three years in prison for participation in the Quit India Movement against British colonial rule.
1942
⚡
Career
Appointed High Commissioner to Ceylon
Served as India's first High Commissioner to Ceylon, shaping early diplomatic ties after independence.
1947
⚡
Career
Elected Vice President of India
Elected as Vice President, setting the stage for his future presidential role.
1967
⚡
Career
Elected President as independent
Resigned as Vice President to contest and win the presidency as an independent backed by Indira Gandhi.
1969
🕊️
Death
Death in Madras
V. V. Giri died of a heart attack at age 85 in Madras, marking the end of a varied career in activism and politics.
1980
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Giri was a founding member and long-term general secretary of the All India Railwaymen's Federation starting in 1923, a crucial organisation for Indian railway workers' rights.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He was imprisoned for three years (1942-1945) during the Quit India Movement, reflecting his deep involvement in India's struggle for independence.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Unlike most presidents, Giri was elected as an independent candidate in 1969 with Indira Gandhi’s backing, defeating the official Congress nominee and causing a major party split.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
V.V. Giri | Former President
·YouTube
More from this archive
V.V. Giri | Former President
01
V.V. Giri | Former President
YouTube
V.V. Giri | Former President | बेरोज़गारी और निर्धनता...
02
V.V. Giri | Former President | बेरोज़गारी और निर्धनता...
YouTube
वराहगिरी वेंकट गिरी | Former President
03
वराहगिरी वेंकट गिरी | Former President
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

V. V. Giri’s activism helped institutionalize labour rights in India, influencing the formation of key bodies like the Indian Labour Conference and the Central Advisory Council. His presidency, supported by Indira Gandhi, reflected a shift in Congress Party dynamics and underscored the rising political influence of labour and independent voices. His career bridged grassroots trade unionism with high political office, reshaping Indian governance and labour policy.

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