Gadkari pays tribute to President V. V. Giri on birth anniversary
Synopsis
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid humble homage to former President and Bharat Ratna V. V. Giri on his birth anniversary, honouring the fourth President of India — a trade union leader and independence veteran who served from 1969 to 1974.
Key Takeaways
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari posted a tribute to V.
Giri on his birth anniversary on 10 August 2026 .
Giri served as the fourth President of India from 1969 to 1974 .
Giri was awarded the Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour — in 1975 .
Giri was a veteran of the Indian independence movement and a prominent trade union leader before entering constitutional office.
He won the presidency as an independent candidate, defeating the ruling party's official nominee — a rare event in Indian democratic history.
On the birth anniversary of V. V. Giri, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari joined the nation in remembering one of India's most consequential constitutional figures — a trade union stalwart who rose to become the fourth President of India.
Gadkari posted a tribute on Monday, 10 August, writing, 'Humble homage to former President Bharat Ratna V. V. Giri ji on his birth anniversary,' marking the occasion with the national flag and a folded-hands gesture.
Varahagiri Venkata Giri remains one of the more singular figures in Indian constitutional history. A veteran of the independence movement and a lifelong champion of organised labour, he brought a distinctly working-class credential to Rashtrapati Bhavan when he assumed the presidency in 1969, serving until 1974. The Government of India recognised his lifetime of public service with the Bharat Ratna — the country's highest civilian honour — in 1975.
His election to the presidency was itself a moment of political drama: Giri ran as an independent candidate and won in a closely contested race, a rare instance in Indian democratic history where the ruling party's official nominee was defeated. That victory underscored both his personal stature and the depth of support he commanded across party lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is V. V. Giri's birth anniversary?
V. V. Giri's birth anniversary falls on 10 August , and it is observed annually by political leaders and institutions across India.
What is the Bharat Ratna?
The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honour, awarded for exceptional service of the highest order to the nation. V. V. Giri received it in 1975.
Why was V. V. Giri's presidential election significant?
Giri won the 1969 presidential election as an independent candidate, defeating the ruling party's official nominee — a rare outcome in Indian democratic history that highlighted his broad cross-party appeal.
Why did Nitin Gadkari pay tribute to V. V. Giri?
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid tribute as part of the established Indian political tradition of publicly honouring former Presidents and national leaders on their birth anniversaries.
