🌟 Vice Presidents of India (1952–2025)
The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office, serving as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Since 1952, India has had 14 Vice Presidents.
1. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Term: 13 May 1952 – 12 May 1962
Background: Philosopher, educator
- First Vice President of India.
- Served two consecutive terms.
- Later became the second President of India.
- 5 September celebrated as Teacher's Day in his honor.
- Renowned philosopher.
2. Dr. Zakir Husain
Term: 13 May 1962 – 12 May 1967
Background: Educationist
- First Muslim Vice President.
- Bharat Ratna recipient (1963).
- Governor of Bihar prior to VP.
- Later became the third President of India.
- Promoted secular values.
3. V. V. Giri
Term: 13 May 1967 – 3 May 1969
Background: Trade unionist, labor leader
- Resigned to contest for President.
- Acting President after Zakir Husain's death.
- Only independent President elected.
- Strong advocate for workers' rights.
- Held various governorships.
4. Gopal Swarup Pathak
Term: 31 August 1969 – 30 August 1974
Background: Lawyer, judge
- First VP not to become President.
- Judge at Allahabad High Court.
- Union Law Minister.
- Governor of Mysore.
- Known for legal expertise.
5. B. D. Jatti
Term: 31 August 1974 – 30 August 1979
Background: Lawyer, politician
- Acting President after F. A. Ahmed's death.
- Former CM of Mysore State.
- Governor of multiple states.
- Administrative experience.
- Upheld political neutrality.
6. Mohammad Hidayatullah
Term: 31 August 1979 – 30 August 1984
Background: Chief Justice of India
- First CJI to become VP.
- Acting President during transition.
- Renowned jurist.
- Respected for legal mind.
- Advocate of judicial independence.
7. R. Venkataraman
Term: 31 August 1984 – 24 July 1987
Background: Lawyer, freedom fighter
- Later 8th President of India.
- Held key ministries (Finance, Defence).
- Freedom fighter credentials.
- Focused on economic planning.
- Strong administrator.
8. Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma
Term: 3 September 1987 – 24 July 1992
Background: Lawyer, scholar
- Ninth President of India later.
- Governor of several states.
- Deeply respected across parties.
- Constitutional purist.
- Literary and legal scholar.
9. K. R. Narayanan
Term: 21 August 1992 – 24 July 1997
Background: Diplomat
- First Dalit VP & President.
- Ambassador to multiple countries.
- Spoke for social justice.
- Scholarly and eloquent speaker.
- Respected diplomat.
10. Krishan Kant
Term: 21 August 1997 – 27 July 2002
Background: Scientist, politician
- Governor of Andhra Pradesh earlier.
- Scientifically inclined leader.
- Transparency advocate.
- Promoted innovation in governance.
- Died while serving as VP.
11. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
Term: 19 August 2002 – 21 July 2007
Background: Politician
- First BJP Vice President.
- CM of Rajasthan three times.
- Contested 2007 Presidential poll.
- Known for grassroots politics.
- Focus on rural upliftment.
12. Mohammad Hamid Ansari
Term: 11 August 2007 – 11 August 2017
Background: Diplomat, academic
- Only VP to serve two full terms after Radhakrishnan.
- Vice-Chancellor of AMU.
- Advocate of minority rights.
- Served in several diplomatic roles.
- Known for scholarly leadership.
13. M. Venkaiah Naidu
Term: 11 August 2017 – 11 August 2022
Background: Lawyer, politician
- Cabinet Minister for Rural Dev, Info & Broad. etc.
- Known for his oratory skills.
- Popular for witty remarks.
- Encouraged parliamentary discipline.
- Emphasized national unity.
14. Jagdeep Dhankhar
Term: 11 August 2022 – Present
Background: Lawyer, politician
- Former Governor of West Bengal.
- Legal background and Parliamentarian.
- Pro-farmer and rural issues advocate.
- Emphasized constitutional duties.
- Known for proactive Rajya Sabha role.
📚 Conclusion
The Vice Presidents of India have been key constitutional figures in maintaining legislative balance and upholding democratic values. Their diverse experiences and unwavering service have contributed significantly to the nation's political heritage.