New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday paid floral tributes to the esteemed former President R. Venkataraman at Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram to commemorate his birth anniversary.

Ramasamy Venkataraman, known as R. Venkataraman, was the eighth President of India, serving from July 25, 1987, to July 25, 1992. Born on December 4, 1910, in Rajamadam, Tamil Nadu, he made impactful contributions to Indian politics, governance, and constitutional law throughout his illustrious career.

He completed his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Loyola College, Chennai, followed by a law degree from Law College, Chennai. Venkataraman began his legal career at the Madras High Court in 1935 and subsequently appeared before the Supreme Court.

Before his political career, Venkataraman was actively involved in India’s freedom struggle, notably participating in the Quit India Movement of 1942, for which he was imprisoned for two years.

Post-independence, Venkataraman's political ascent was rapid. He was elected to the Lok Sabha four times and held key positions such as Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance under Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

In 1984, he became the Vice President of India and was later inaugurated as President in 1987. His presidency was notable for his profound understanding of constitutional law and skillful management during political transitions, working alongside four prime ministers and appointing three of them—V. P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, and P.V. Narasimha Rao—as India began navigating coalition politics.

In his autobiography, 'My Presidential Years', Venkataraman shared an intriguing moment when a Congress MP proposed a second presidential term, which he firmly declined, expressing his wish to retire from active politics and avoid the re-election complexities.

Admired for his simplicity, intellect, integrity, and commitment to democratic ideals, Venkataraman's influence extended beyond politics into public policy and governance.

He passed away on January 27, 2009, just after Republic Day, leading to the cancellation of several celebratory events in his honor. He was cremated with full state honors at Ekta Sthal near Raj Ghat.