Varahagiri Venkata Giri: Champion of Workers' Rights and India’s Fourth President (1969–1974)

INDC Network : Biography : Varahagiri Venkata Giri: Champion of Workers' Rights and India’s Fourth President (1969–1974)

Biography of Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1969–1974)

Early Life and Education : Varahagiri Venkata Giri, commonly known as V.V. Giri, was born on August 10, 1894, in Berhampur, in what was then the Madras Presidency, now located in Odisha. He hailed from a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family, with his father, V.V. Jogaiah Pantulu, being a prominent lawyer and political activist. His early life was shaped by the nationalist movements and socio-political upheavals occurring in India under British colonial rule.

Giri's education began at the Khallikote College in Berhampur, and he later attended the University of Madras. However, his passion for the law and desire to contribute more actively to India’s independence movement led him to pursue further education in Dublin, Ireland. Giri enrolled at University College Dublin and later the Honourable Society of King's Inns, where he studied law and was called to the bar. It was in Ireland, during his university years, that Giri’s political consciousness deepened, and he was profoundly influenced by the Irish independence struggle. His time in Ireland helped shape his political ideology and sense of nationalism.

While in Dublin, Giri became an active participant in the Irish nationalist movement, working alongside key figures like Éamon de Valera and Michael Collins. His involvement in the labor and trade union movements in Ireland provided Giri with first-hand experience in labor activism, which would become a central focus of his future political career in India.

Upon his return to India in 1916, Giri chose to dedicate his life to the freedom struggle, labor rights, and political leadership, setting the stage for a career that would lead him to the highest office in the land.

Role in India’s Independence Movement : Varahagiri Venkata Giri’s return to India coincided with a period of intense political activity, marked by the growing influence of the Indian National Congress (INC) and Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent struggle against British rule. Giri immediately became involved in the Congress-led nationalist movement, playing a significant role in mobilizing the working class in support of India’s freedom struggle.

Giri’s participation in the Home Rule Movement under the leadership of Annie Besant marked his first major involvement in Indian politics. The movement, which sought greater autonomy for India within the British Empire, resonated with Giri’s belief in self-determination and his advocacy for the rights of workers and the oppressed. He was also deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and Satyagraha (civil resistance), which became key components of his political philosophy.

During the 1920s, Giri's focus shifted toward organizing laborers and advocating for their rights. He recognized that the British colonial system exploited Indian workers, particularly in industries like railways, textiles, and plantations, and he sought to improve their working conditions. He became an influential figure in the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), which was at the forefront of the labor movement in India.

In 1928, Giri led a significant strike of the workers of the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills in Chennai, demanding better wages and working conditions. Although the strike was ultimately unsuccessful, it marked a turning point in his political career, solidifying his reputation as a champion of workers’ rights.

Political Career and Advocacy for Labor Rights

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, V.V. Giri emerged as one of India’s leading trade union leaders and labor advocates. His efforts were instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of workers in various sectors, including railways, plantations, and factories. He worked tirelessly to improve labor laws, advocating for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. His advocacy also extended to securing legal rights for workers to form unions and engage in collective bargaining.

Giri’s work with the AITUC earned him a reputation as a pragmatic and results-oriented leader. He navigated the complex political landscape of pre-independence India, balancing his involvement in the broader nationalistic struggle with his commitment to improving the lives of workers. He was also involved in organizing labor strikes and negotiating with the British colonial authorities, using his legal acumen and political influence to secure better outcomes for workers.

In 1934, Giri was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly, where he used his position to continue advocating for labor reforms. He was one of the few leaders who recognized that the post-independence prosperity of India would depend on the fair treatment and empowerment of its working class.

His involvement in labor issues often put him at odds with both the colonial government and the industrial elite, but Giri remained steadfast in his commitment to social justice. He believed that a free and democratic India must ensure the economic and social welfare of its people, particularly the working class.

Role in Post-Independence India

With India's independence in 1947, Giri’s political career entered a new phase. Recognizing his expertise in labor matters, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru appointed Giri as the Minister of Labour in 1947. In this role, Giri played a pivotal role in shaping India’s labor policies, ensuring that the rights of workers were enshrined in the nascent nation’s laws.

One of Giri’s most significant contributions during this period was his involvement in drafting the Industrial Disputes Act of 1947, which aimed to regulate labor disputes, promote industrial peace, and protect the rights of workers. This act remains a cornerstone of Indian labor law to this day and is a testament to Giri’s enduring influence on labor relations in India.

In addition to his work on labor laws, Giri represented India at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, further solidifying his position as a respected voice in international labor rights advocacy. His contributions to the global discourse on labor issues earned him international recognition, and he became known for his efforts to bridge the gap between workers and employers in India and abroad.

Giri’s political career took another major step forward when he was appointed as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh in 1957, followed by his role as the Governor of Kerala in 1960 and the Governor of Karnataka in 1965. His tenure as governor in these states was marked by his firm but fair leadership and his efforts to promote social welfare and labor rights at the state level.

Vice Presidency and Acting Presidency

In 1967, Varahagiri Venkata Giri was elected as the Vice President of India, succeeding Dr. Zakir Husain. As Vice President, Giri served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament), where he demonstrated his commitment to upholding parliamentary procedures and democratic values. His experience as a seasoned political leader allowed him to manage legislative debates with tact and impartiality.

Giri’s role as Vice President took on a new dimension in 1969 when President Zakir Husain passed away unexpectedly while in office. Following Husain’s death, Giri was appointed as the Acting President of India, becoming the first person to hold this interim position. Giri’s time as Acting President was brief but significant, as it occurred during a period of political instability and internal party conflicts within the ruling Congress Party.

Presidential Election of 1969

The presidential election of 1969 was one of the most dramatic and controversial elections in India’s history. After the death of President Zakir Husain, the Indian National Congress (INC) was deeply divided between two factions: one led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the other by the party’s old guard, known as the “Syndicate.” The Syndicate initially supported Neelam Sanjiva Reddy as their candidate for the presidency, while Indira Gandhi backed Giri.

Despite being a member of the Congress Party, Giri chose to run as an independent candidate, positioning himself as a non-partisan figure above the internal conflicts of the party. This decision sparked a political confrontation between Indira Gandhi and the Syndicate. Giri’s independence and long-standing reputation for integrity won him widespread support, and he secured key endorsements from several opposition parties.

In a closely contested election, V.V. Giri emerged victorious, defeating Sanjiva Reddy with Indira Gandhi’s crucial backing. His victory was seen as a major political coup for Indira Gandhi and marked the beginning of her consolidation of power within the Congress Party. Giri’s election as President also represented a triumph for the working-class movement, as he was a leader who had spent his career advocating for labor rights and social justice.

Presidency (1969–1974)

Varahagiri Venkata Giri was sworn in as the fourth President of India on August 24, 1969. His presidency coincided with a period of significant political, economic, and social change in India, including the rise of Indira Gandhi’s leadership, economic challenges, and growing demands for social justice.

Giri’s presidency was marked by his steadfast commitment to upholding the constitutional principles of democracy, secularism, and social justice. While the role of the President in India is largely ceremonial, Giri used his position to advocate for policies that promoted the welfare of workers, farmers, and marginalized communities.

One of the key events during Giri’s presidency was the nationalization of banks in 1969, a bold move by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi aimed at increasing state control over the economy and ensuring that banking services reached the rural and underserved population. Giri, a longtime advocate of social and economic justice, supported this move as a step toward empowering the working class and promoting equitable economic growth.

Another significant development during Giri’s presidency was the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. Giri’s leadership during this period was critical in maintaining national unity and stability, even as India faced the challenges of war and an influx of millions of refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Giri’s presidency also saw the rise of the “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty) campaign, initiated by Indira Gandhi. This campaign aimed to address widespread poverty and inequality in India, and Giri’s support for such initiatives further solidified his image as a leader who championed the cause of the working class.

Legacy and Contributions

Varahagiri Venkata Giri’s presidency came to an end in 1974, but his legacy as a champion of workers’ rights and social justice continues to inspire generations of leaders in India. His contributions to the labor movement, both before and after India’s independence, were instrumental in shaping the country’s labor laws and policies.

As the only President of India who rose from the ranks of the working class and labor unions, Giri’s life and career represent a powerful narrative of social mobility and the importance of public service. His presidency was marked by his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and social justice.

After his presidency, Giri was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1975, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the nation.

Varahagiri Venkata Giri passed away on June 24, 1980, but his legacy as a labor leader, statesman, and President of India remains an enduring symbol of the power of perseverance, integrity, and dedication to the common good.

Conclusion : Varahagiri Venkata Giri’s life and career are a testament to the power of leadership grounded in the principles of social justice, workers’ rights, and national service. From his early involvement in the Irish nationalist movement to his leadership in India’s labor movement and his eventual rise to the presidency, Giri consistently advocated for the rights of the marginalized and worked to ensure that India’s progress included all its citizens.

As India’s fourth President, Giri’s support for economic and social reforms, coupled with his steady leadership during a period of political turmoil, left a lasting impact on the nation. His legacy as a champion of workers’ rights and a leader who stood for justice and equality continues to inspire future generations of leaders in India and around the world.