Introduction
The position of President of India is a highly respected one and carries with it a lot of responsibility. From 1950 till the present time, there have been fourteen Presidents of India. Each president has had their own set of qualifications that were required to take up this office. In this article, we will take a look at the list of all presidents of India from 1950 to 2022 and the qualifications of the Indian President, as well as interesting facts about the office. We will also look at the current incumbent, Ms Droupadi Murmu. So, let’s get started!
Read more:
- India’s Triumphs: A Comprehensive List Of Miss World Winners
- Who Are The Most Powerful Countries In The World? Examining GDPs, Populations, And Military Strengths
- Uncovering The List of Prime Ministers of India From 1947 to 2022
List of Presidents of India
The President of India is the Head of State of the Republic of India, elected by an electoral college for a five-year term. This section provides a comprehensive list of all the Presidents of India from 1950 to 2022. It includes Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. Zakir Hussain, Varahagiri Venkata Giri, Mohammad Hidayatullah, Basappa Danappa Jatti, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, and more. By exploring these Presidents and their legacies, we can gain a greater appreciation of the history of India.
Dr Rajendra Prasad (1950-1962)
Dr Rajendra Prasad was the first President of the Republic of India. He was the longest-serving President of India, having served two successive terms from 1950 to 1962. Dr Prasad is considered to be a highly respected political leader and a pioneer in the Indian freedom struggle.
He was born on the 3rd of December 1884 in Ziradei, a small village in the state of Bihar in India. He was the son of Mahadev Sahai and Kamleshwari Devi. He had a passion for education from a young age and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature in the year 1907. Subsequently, he earned a Bachelor of Law degree in the year 1909, and a Master of Arts degree in Economics in the year 1911.
Dr Prasad joined the Indian National Congress in the year 1911 and became active in the Indian freedom movement. He was a member of the Indian National Congress from 1911 till his death in 1963. He played a major role in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22. He was chosen as the President of the Indian National Congress in the year 1934 by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Dr Prasad was among the first nominees of the Indian National Congress for the position of the President of India. He assumed office in 1950 after the adoption of the Indian Constitution and took oath in a ceremony held in the Constituent Assembly of India. He held office till 1962 and was the first person to serve two consecutive terms as the President of the Republic of India.
During his term in office, Dr Rajendra Prasad played an important role in establishing the government, laying the foundation for the Parliamentary democracy of India, and defending India’s sovereignty during the Indo-China War in 1962. He also played a major role in the development of the Constitution of India and was instrumental in the development of educational and welfare schemes for the citizens of India. He also set up a committee to look into the working of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir.
After his retirement, Dr Prasad was honoured with the Bharat Ratna Award in 1962 and was appointed as the President of the Indian Science Congress in 1963. He died in the year 1963 due to a heart attack and is remembered as one of the great freedom fighters and statesmen of India.
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962-1967)
Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the second President of India, serving between 1962 and 1967. He was born in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, India on September 5, 1888. He was an Indian philosopher, educator, and statesman who served as the first Vice President of India between 1952 and 1962 and went on to become the first President of India in 1962. His tenure as President of India was marked by the advancement of India’s policy of non-alignment and the promotion of international peace and understanding.
During his tenure as President, he implemented several reforms, such as the introduction of a uniform Civil Code, progressive labour and economic policies, the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology, and the accelerated expansion of the Indian Education System. He also advocated for social justice, human rights, and religious divides. He promoted the harmonious development of humanistic and scientific temperaments in the minds of his citizens.
His personal beliefs and philosophies served as a cornerstone of his leadership and his tenure as President of India. He was the foundation of the Golden Age of India, a period of economic reform and development that propelled India to the forefront of international attention. His commitment to non-alignment and social harmony can still be seen in India today. As the first President of India, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan played an essential role in the country’s growth and development, and his legacy still stands today.
Dr Zakir Hussain (1967-1969)
Dr Zakir Husain was the third President of India from 1967 to 1969. He was the first Muslim president of India and was widely respected for his education and leadership. He had a long and distinguished career in Indian politics, having served as the first Vice President of India from 1962-1967.
Born in Hyderabad in 1897, Dr Zakir Hussan completed his education at the Madrasa-e-Azam, where he was an excellent student. In 1929, he was appointed as a lecturer at the University of Delhi and later served as the Vice-Chancellor. During this time, he furthered the cause of education and skilled many students who would go on to become leading figures in Indian politics.
In 1947, after India’s independence, Dr Hussain was appointed as the Governor of Bihar. He was also the Minister of Education in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet. He was a strong advocate of scientific research and was instrumental in setting up numerous research centres and institutes across the country.
As the third president of India, Dr Hussain oversaw the nation’s transition to democracy and helped lay the framework for its economic development. He was known for his liberal views and advocated for gender equality, minority rights and civil liberties. In terms of foreign policy, Dr. Hussain was a strong proponent of non-alignment and proposed the theory of Pancha Sila, which was based on the five principles of mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, respect for each other’s territorial integrity and the promotion of world peace.
Dr Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 72 in 1969. He was greatly missed by the people of India and the world, with his death being declared a national mourning. His legacy as one of independent India’s greatest diplomats and educational leaders is remembered and respected to this day.
Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1969-1969)
Varahagiri Venkata Giri, popularly known as V.V. Giri, was the fourth president of India, serving from 1969 to 1974. He also served as acting president from 1969 to 1969 when Zakir Hussain passed away.
Giri was born in Berhampur, Odisha on August 10, 1894 to Venkata Subba Rao and Parvathi Devi. He was educated at the Madras Law College. He began his career as a lawyer in Berhampur and went on to become a professor in 1916. After this, Giri became politically active, joining the Indian National Congress in the year 1920.
Throughout the period of 1920 to 1925, Giri held many positions with the Indian National Congress, culminating in his becoming a member of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1930. He was an ardent supporter of Indian independence, and his work helped to form the Government of India Act, of 1935 alongside the British government.
From 1948 to 1951, Giri was an Indian representative in the United Nations, as well as acting as India’s ambassador in Indonesia and Ceylon. In 1952 he became a member of the Rajya Sabha and held the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment until 1957.
In 1969 Giri was appointed acting president of India due to the sudden death of President Zakir Hussain. Giri was then voted in as president in the next election cycle in 1969 and held office until 1974. As president, Giri promoted labour reforms and initiated the ‘Giri Commission’ with the objective of simplifying the Indian trade union law. He also laid the foundation for a new system of wages and bonuses for industrial workers for the sake of social justice.
Giri also received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1975 for his services to the nation. He passed away in Chennai on June 23rd, 1980 at the age of 86. He will forever be remembered as a great statesman, who worked for the betterment of his country.
Mohammad Hidayatullah (1969-1969)
Mohammad Hidayatullah, a jurist and statesman, was the fifth president of India and served from 1969 to 1969. He was the first Muslim to be elected president of India. Hidayatullah was born in 1905 in the Central Provinces of British India, the son of an eminent lawyer. He attended the University of Allahabad and while still a student, he won the Principal’s Gold Medal for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Hidayatullah was a brilliant lawyer and went on to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. He was also a well-known scholar of India’s constitution, history and politics and was respected for his knowledge and wisdom. He served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 1968 to 1969 and was elected as the acting President of India following the death of Zakir Hussain.
He was a renowned educator, having served as the Vice-Chancellor of Nagpur University and the first Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University. He was also a distinguished member of the Indian Bar Association.
He held various positions in the Government of India, including the position of Chairman of the Minorities Commission and the National Integration Council, and was a member of the National Advisory Council. During his term as president, he held discussions with opposition parties and non-governmental organizations in a bid to promote better governance and understanding between the two sides. He was a great advocate of India’s unity, and staunchly defended India’s secular values and democratic traditions.
Hidayatullah was a compassionate and devoted leader who was dedicated to the service of his nation and its people. He left a lasting legacy of his commitment to justice and liberty. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 87.
Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1969-1974)
Varahagiri Venkata Giri, popularly known as V.V Giri, was the fourth President of India, who served from 1969 to 1974. Born in 1894, in the small village of Berhampur in Odisha, Giri was the son of Swaminadhan Giri, a former government official.
Giri studied at the Madras Christian College and got his B. A degree in 1916, followed by a law degree in 1919 from the same college. He was an active participant in the freedom struggle and also served in the All India Trade Union Congress.
Giri successfully contested the 1967 presidential elections and was sworn in as the fourth President of India on 24th August 1969. He was the first person to be elected as the President of India who was not directly connected with the Indian National Congress.
During his five-year tenure, he tried to bring stability and peace to the country, while also promoting national integration among the people of India. Giri was also instrumental in bringing the US-Soviet conflict to a peaceful end by inviting the two powers to India and encouraging them to come to a peaceful resolution.
Giri was awarded the title of ‘Bharat Ratna’ for his ability to lead the country into an era of peace, understanding and harmony. After his term ended in 1974, Giri returned to his home state and continued his social services. He passed away on 24 June 1980 in Madras.
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974-1977)
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was the fifth President of India, serving during the period from 1974 to 1977. Born on 13 May 1905 in Hauz Qazi, Delhi, he pursued his educational studies at the Government High School near the Red Fort. After this, he graduated from Aligarh Muslim University.
Ahmed was a member of the Indian National Congress and was active in Indian politics since the 1930s. He was appointed as Home Minister of Assam in 1946 and remained in that position until 1951. He made significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle.
Ahmed was elected as President of India by an electoral college of the Parliament of India. He took the Presidential oath on 24 August 1974. He was known for his commitment to national integration and social justice. In 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed signed the proclamation of Emergency in India. During this time, he was widely criticized for authoritarianism and was subject to much public criticism.
As the President of India, his legacy was characterized by upholding human rights, protecting the environment and preserving Indian culture. Ahmed was a strong advocate of economic reforms and initiated programs that focused on accelerating economic growth. He also ensured that the Government of India followed a policy of non-alignment and aligned India’s interests with those of the non-aligned nations.
After his term as President ended, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed returned to his native place in Hauz Qazi and was actively involved in the activities of the local people there. He passed away on 11 February 1977 at the age of 71 and is remembered for his contributions to the nation and his legacy is still remembered fondly.
Basappa Danappa Jatti (1977-1977)
Basappa Danappa Jatti was the fifth President of India, serving from July 1977 to August 1977. He was the first President to be elected after the death of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. Jatti was born on December 10, 1912, in Savalagi, Karnataka. He studied at the Madhavrao Kayakwad High School of Hubballi and became a graduate of the Government College in Hubballi. He later went on to obtain a post-graduate degree in law from the University of Bombay.
Jatti began his political career in 1937 when he was elected to the Mysore Legislative Assembly. He served as Chief Minister of Mysore state from March 1952 to August 1956 and then again from March 1962 to October 1964.
Jatti was the first commoner to be elected as President of India after Ahmed’s death. He was proposed by the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai and was supported by the Janata Party. Jatti was elected unopposed on July 29, 1977, and was sworn in as the President of India.
Jatti was an active President who was acutely aware of the economic and social problems facing India. In June 1977, he requested Prime Minister Desai to focus on the issue of inflation due to the high prices of wheat, rice, and other food items. He also focused on the need to improve the education infrastructure in India. During his tenure, Jatti opened a new chapter in the Indian Constitution by incorporating judicial review into it.
Jatti’s tenure was cut short with his resignation on August 24, 1977, due to personal reasons. He is still remembered as one of the most active Presidents of India.
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977-1982)
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was the 6th President of India, serving from 1977 to 1982. Born in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, Reddy had served as a freedom fighter and held a variety of prominent positions before becoming president. Reddy had previously served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament) between 1962 and 1967, and as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971 to 1977.
Reddy was the first to receive votes from the Electoral College of India, the body of elected officials that chooses the president, making him the first presidential candidate to be elected unopposed. During his five-year tenure as president, Reddy was known for his commitment to upholding democratic institutions and the rule of law, as well as introducing measures to modernize India’s banking system. Reddy also took a more active role in foreign relations than his predecessors and was in office when India established diplomatic relations with the United States.
Reddy’s legacy as President of India has had a lasting impact on the country. He is the namesake of India’s first all-weather road, the Neelam Sanjiva Reddy Marg, which is 30 kilometres long and connects Andhra Pradesh’s capital, Hyderabad, to the port of Mumbai. Additionally, a bronze statue of Reddy has been installed in the Parliament of India and a National Institute of Technology has been established in his name.
Despite his success in politics and life, Reddy humbly attributed his achievements to his humble roots, often citing his upbringing as the source of his resilience and hard work. He once said, “I may have reached the highest office but I am a son of the soil and the soil is my mother.”
Giani Zail Singh (1982-1987)
Giani Zail Singh was the seventh President of India, serving from 1982 to 1987. He was a member of the Indian National Congress and held the distinction of being the first Sikh president of India. Prior to his election, he had held various posts in the Government of India, including the Governor of Punjab from 1980 to 1982.
During his five-year term, Giani Zail Singh held a number of important political events. He opened the Golden Temple to the public after violence erupted between Hindus and Sikhs, and also met with Nepal’s Prime Minister, Birendra Bir Bikram Shah, and signed an agreement strengthening bilateral relations. He also provided financial assistance to the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984.
Giani Zail Singh also made some efforts to strengthen India’s defence. He ordered the deployment of Operation Meghdoot in 1984, which enabled India to occupy the Siachen Glacier and secure it as part of India’s disputed border with Pakistan. He also approved a new defence policy in June 1985, which focused on improving India’s strategic capabilities.
Overall, Giani Zail Singh is remembered for his contribution to strengthening India’s defence, improving the relationship between India and Nepal and opening the Golden Temple to the public. He was also praised for his efforts in providing financial aid to the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy. Giani Zail Singh’s dedication to the nation lives on even to this day and will continue to be respected for many years to come.
Ramaswamy Venkataraman (1987-1992)
Ramaswamy Venkataraman was the 8th President of India and served from 1987 to 1992. He was a lawyer by education and a professional politician by choice. During his presidency, he took many steps to provide the country with financial stability and economic progress.
Venkataraman promoted nuclear non-proliferation and negotiated terms with then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi leading to the signing of the India-US Peaceful Nuclear Agreement in 1988. During his tenure, Venkataraman also took part in several European and African nations’ disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation conferences.
Venkataraman also took steps to improve India’s energy infrastructure. In 1988, he initiated the Total Electrification Scheme for rural development. This scheme increased access to electricity for more than 71 per cent of rural households. He also promoted the use of renewable energy sources and the use of clean fuel technologies.
Venkataraman’s tenure was also marked by several social reforms and initiatives. He promoted the rights of marginalized communities and introduced several innovative approaches to the education system. He was also instrumental in initiating the National Policy on Education, which was later adopted by the Government of India.
In conclusion, Ramaswamy Venkataraman’s presidency marks a significant time for India in terms of social, economic and political reforms. His impact is still evident today as India continues to strive for excellence in development. From nuclear non-proliferation to social reforms, his presidency was marked by many accomplishments.
Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992-1997)
Shankar Dayal Sharma was the ninth President of India, serving from 1992 to 1997. He was a member of the Indian National Congress, known for his commitment to social justice and economic reforms. He was also a distinguished lawyer and academic, a senior statesman and a highly respected figure in the Indian political landscape.
Shankar Dayal Sharma was particularly known for his transition of India into a developed nation. He promoted liberalization of the Indian economy, loosening foreign investment laws and strengthening of the education system. He also worked to improve India’s relations with other countries and increase collaboration on global issues. In addition, he emphasized the importance of social justice and human rights, as well as promoting national unity and communal harmony.
His presidency is widely regarded as successful, taking India into a new phase of development and leading the way for the country’s continued progress in the 21st century. He left a legacy of peace, continued development, and greater social justice, and will be remembered for his contribution to Indian society for many years to come.
Kocheril Raman Narayanan (1997-2002)
Kocheril Raman Narayanan served as the tenth President of India from 1997 to 2002. He was born on October 27, 1920, in the Perumthanam village of Travancore, now part of Kerala. Before becoming President, Narayanan served in various government positions, including as the ambassador to Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Hungary, and the United States. He also held the position of Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University from 1979 to 1980.
Narayanan was the first President of India from an underprivileged background. He was known as a great diplomat and as an outstanding administrator. During his time as President, he advocated for the rights of the poor and underprivileged, particularly Dalits, and worked towards the removal of social and economic disparities across the country. He was also very vocal about the need for the protection of human rights and for the promotion of India’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Narayanan’s Presidency saw significant economic growth, with India becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. He also successfully dealt with several crucial foreign policy issues, such as India’s nuclear tests and the Kargil War. Narayanan was popular with the people of India, and his 5-year tenure saw increased respect towards the office of the President.
Kocheril Raman Narayanan was a great leader who served his country with distinction. His legacy will continue to serve as an inspiration to all Indians.
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2002-2007)
The 11th President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2002-2007), left an indelible mark in the history of the nation. He was a celebrated scientist who was associated with ISRO and DRDO organizations. He was considered to be a great motivator and a role model to the youth of India.
Dr Kalam was a visionary who always spoke of the potential of India and its youth. He once famously said, “Dreams are not what you see in your sleep, they are the things that do not let you sleep”. He worked on numerous projects and was the driving force behind the development of the Prithvi, Agni and Akash missiles. He also worked on NASA’s M-V launch vehicle project.
His passion for learning led to the creation of the Kalam Institute of Technology and the Kalam Centre in Andhra Pradesh. He also wrote numerous books, most notably ‘The Wings of Fire which was very popular among the youth of India.
He was a man of principles and a great leader who always strived for the betterment of the nation. To commemorate his contribution to the nation, the government has instituted the ‘Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award’. He was a great son of India and will always be fondly remembered by the citizens of the country.
Pratibha Patil (2007-2012)
The presidency of Pratibha Patil (2007-2012) marked the first time a woman served as head of state in India’s history. Beginning her term in 2007, Patil served a five-year term in office and was succeeded by Pranab Mukherjee in 2012. Patil was born in 1934 in the small village of Nagaon in Maharashtra state and later studied political science and law at the University of Bombay.
Prior to becoming president, she held high-ranking posts in both the Indian government and the Mumbai legislative assembly. As president, Patil worked to improve women’s rights and access to education, and also promoted renewable energy, rural development, and environmental conservation. Her presidency was also marked by a period of relative economic growth in India. Patil also visited numerous countries as part of her state visit agenda, including the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The presidency of Pratibha Patil was a major milestone in India’s history and in its commitment to gender parity. In addition to her commitment to promoting social justice, Patil also sought to promote the country’s image on the world stage and to boost India’s standing in the international community. Her term represented progression towards greater equality and a greater emphasis on human rights.
Pranab Mukherjee (2012-2017)
Pranab Mukherjee was the 13th President of India and served from July 2012 to July 2017. During his five-year tenure, he worked to strengthen India’s economy, society, and democracy. He focused on improving relations between India and its neighbours and promoting regional stability. Mukherjee was instrumental in the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the passage of the Anti-Hijacking Bill, and the Land Acquisition Bill. He also focused on improving access to education and promoting human rights.
In foreign affairs, Mukherjee was a strong supporter of India’s long-time alliance with Russia and a proponent of increased ties with China. He earned international praise for the India-China Joint Statement of 2013, which signalled a new era of cooperation between the two countries. He also worked to strengthen India’s presence in the international arena, attending conferences, summits, and other events around the world.
Overall, Pranab Mukherjee’s tenure as President of India was marked by economic reforms, diplomatic achievements, and a commitment to protecting India’s democratic principles and core values. He was a dedicated public servant who will be remembered for his efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous India.
Shri Ram Nath Kovind (2017-2022)
Shri Ram Nath Kovind is the 14th President of India and was the Governor of Bihar before his election. He was elected on July 20, 2017, through an electoral college of 776 members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and state legislative assemblies. He was born on October 1, 1945, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and came from a humble background.
He studied at L.D. College of Law, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where he received degrees in Commerce and Law. He then practised as an Advocate, at the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for 16 years. In 1994, he was appointed Central Government Advocate in the Supreme Court, a post held for two years.
His political career began in 1994 when he was appointed a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh and served until 2006. He was the National Spokesperson of the BJP during this time. He also held important positions in the Courts and Tribunals, in the Government and in the BJP.
President Kovind has followed many progressive strategies that have been beneficial to the country. He has focused on poverty alleviation, education, and women’s rights. He has also increased the reach of the Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojana and conducted many welfare initiatives. He has also improved India’s ties with other countries and advocated for regional peace and international cooperation.
President Kovind’s term of office will end in 2022, and he will be remembered for his dedication to public service, combined with his commitment to India’s welfare and progress. He has achieved much in his five years at the helm of the country and has left an indelible mark in Indian history.
Ms Droupadi Murmu (2022-present)
The 15th and current President of India is Ms Droupadi Murmu, who was elected to office in 2022. She is the first tribal woman to be elected as President and is also the youngest President in Indian history. Ms Murmu is a veteran politician who has held various state and central government posts in her career. She started her career as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and later served as the Minister of Tribal Affairs in the Union Government.
Ms Murmu has been vocal about various issues that affect the tribal people and other marginalised communities in India. She has advocated for the betterment of tribal communities and has worked to ensure their progress and development. Ms Murmu’s vision as President is to build a vibrant, inclusive and equitable India where all communities have equal access to opportunities and resources.
Ms Murmu has been at the forefront of India’s fight against COVID-19 and has taken many steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of India. She has advocated for widespread testing, contact tracing, and implementation of necessary protocols to ensure the speedy recovery of patients and contain the spread of the disease.
Ms Murmu has also been taking steps to ensure that the fiscal deficit is brought under control and the economy is steered back to a path of growth. She has also focussed on boosting the manufacturing sector and developing the infrastructure of the nation.
Ms Murmu’s tenure as the President of India is groundbreaking as she is the first woman and first tribal person to occupy the position. Her vision for India is sure to bring about a positive change and ensure that more marginalised communities benefit from the nation’s development.
Qualification of Indian President
The President of India is the highest office in the country and requires special qualifications for a candidate to be elected. In order for a person to qualify for the position of President, they must meet the following criteria as laid out by the Indian Constitution:
- The candidate must be a citizen of India
- The candidate must have completed the age of 35 years
- The candidate must possess adequate knowledge of the Hindi language
- The candidate must be a qualified voter
The President of India is elected through a process of indirect voting. For a person to qualify as a voter, they need to be a citizen of India, they must have completed the age of 18 years and they must be registered as a voter.
The President of India is elected every five years by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) as well as of the Legislative Assemblies of the 29 states and the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. The total elective value of the electoral college is 10,98,882 votes. The President’s term of office is usually of five years except in the case of resignation, death, or removal by impeachment.
The President is responsible for the maintenance of the Constitution, and for the upholding of the dignity, honour and authority of the Republic of India. By exercising the powers of the supreme commander-in-chief of the armed forces of India and acting as the custodian of the executive authority of India, the President shall perform the duties and functions assigned to him/her by the Constitution.
The President of India acts as the Head of State who is the symbol of national unity and is vested with many ceremonial duties, such as the awarding of honours and state decorations. The President is also the Head of Government who appoints the Prime Minister, who leads the Council of Ministers. The President is also empowered to dissolve the Lok Sabha and to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner.
The election of the President of India is an important event in the history of the country and is a symbol of the democratic traditions of the nation.
Facts about the President of India
The President of India is the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. The President is elected by the members of the Parliament of India and the State Legislative Assemblies. Since the establishment of the office in 1950, 14 different individuals have held the office.
The President of India is elected by an electoral college which comprises MPs and MLAs from the states and union territories. The President can serve for a maximum of two consecutive five-year terms. The first President of India was Dr Rajendra Prasad and the current President is Droupadi Murmu.
The President is required to perform various duties and functions while in office. He/she is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces and part of the legislative process. He/she can make ordinances and promulgate them during an emergency. The President also has the power to grant pardon to criminals, suspend or commute sentences and appoints Governors, Judges and Ambassadors.
The office of the President is also considered the highest honour that can be conferred to a citizen of India. Some of the famous Presidents of India include Dr S. Radhakrishnan, Dr Zakir Hussain, V.V. Giri, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, Giani Zail Singh, Shankar Dayal Sharma, K.R. Narayanan, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherjee.
The role of the President has evolved over the years and the current President is expected to use the office to protect the rights of people and ensure the welfare of the citizens. The President can take all actions necessary to promote the welfare and protect the interests of the people of India. The President is also expected to play an important role in times of major disaster or crisis.
In short, the President of India is one of the most important positions in the Government of India and the President is expected to act in the best interests of the country. Presidents of India are elected with the responsibility of not only upholding the Constitution of India but also ensuring the proper functioning of the Government of India.
Conclusion
The Presidents of India from 1950 to 2022 are a mix of dedicated individuals who have worked hard and fought to keep our country running smoothly. These leaders have come from a variety of backgrounds, some with much more experience and qualifications than others. However, no matter the qualifications of the person, each President has served as President of India with a sense of pride, dignity and responsibility. From the first President Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1950 to the current President Shri Ram Nath Kovind in 2017, and now to the newest addition Ms Droupadi Murmu in 2022, the Presidents of India have contributed to the well-being of the country in innumerable ways. They have brought in much-needed reforms in the government, have encouraged good quality of life among the citizens, and have helped build a strong and prosperous nation. As we look ahead to the future, let us hope and pray that our leaders continue to lead the country on the path of progress and prosperity so that our nation can stand tall among other countries across the world.
