By Digi Team The President of India holds the nation’s highest office, serving as the first citizen and the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. While the Prime Minister holds executive power, the President’s role is a crucial symbol of the republic’s stability, unity, and democratic values. To understand the journey of modern India, it’s fascinating to look at the complete list of all the Presidents of India, each of whom has left a unique mark on the nation’s history.
Key Takeaways
- The President of India is the ceremonial head of state, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
- India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, was a key figure in the independence movement and took office in 1950.
- The President is elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of members of Parliament and state legislative assemblies.
- The individuals who have held this office come from diverse backgrounds, including scholars, scientists, lawyers, and lifelong politicians.
- The current President, Droupadi Murmu, is the first person from a tribal community and the second woman to hold this prestigious post.
The Role of India’s President
Think of the President as the guardian of the Constitution. They aren’t involved in the day-to-day running of the government—that’s the Prime Minister’s job. Instead, the President ensures the country’s executive decisions are in line with its constitutional framework.
They appoint the Prime Minister, judges, and other high-ranking officials. They also have the power to grant pardons and sign bills into law, making the presidency a position of immense dignity and authority.
The Complete List of India’s Presidents
11. Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950-1962)
As India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a giant of the independence movement and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. A lawyer by training, he was the only President to serve two full terms. His tenure was foundational, setting precedents for how the office would function within India’s new democratic setup.
22. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962-1967)
A celebrated philosopher and scholar, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan brought immense intellectual prestige to the presidency. Before becoming President, he served as India’s first Vice President. His birthday, September 5th, is celebrated in India as Teachers’ Day to honor his legacy as an educator.
33. Dr. Zakir Husain (1967-1969)
Dr. Zakir Husain was an acclaimed educationist and the first Muslim to hold the office of President. He was a key proponent of nationalistic education. Tragically, he was also the first President to die in office, serving for just under two years.
44. Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1969-1974)
Commonly known as V. V. Giri, he first served as acting President after Dr. Husain’s death. He then resigned to contest the presidential election as an independent candidate and won. Giri was a prominent trade unionist and a staunch advocate for workers’ rights.
55. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974-1977)
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was the second President to die in office. His term is most remembered for signing the proclamation of the Internal Emergency in 1975 on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It remains one of the most controversial periods in modern Indian history.
66. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977-1982)
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy holds a unique distinction: he is the only person to be elected President of India unopposed. He had previously served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament).
77. Giani Zail Singh (1982-1987)
The first Sikh to become President, Giani Zail Singh‘s tenure was marked by significant turmoil. This included Operation Blue Star, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots in 1984. His presidency navigated some of the nation’s most challenging moments.
88. Ramaswamy Venkataraman (1987-1992)
An experienced lawyer and politician, R. Venkataraman had the distinction of working with four different Prime Ministers during his five-year term. His presidency saw a period of political instability and coalition governments, requiring a steady hand to guide the nation.
99. Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992-1997)
Before becoming President, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma had served as Vice President and the Chief Minister of Bhopal. He was a legal scholar who brought a quiet dignity to the office during a period of economic reforms in India.
1010. Kocheril Raman Narayanan (1997-2002)
K. R. Narayanan was the first person from the Dalit community to hold the nation’s highest office, a landmark moment for India. A former diplomat and academic, he was known as an assertive and conscientious President who often spoke his mind on constitutional matters.
1111. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002-2007)
An aerospace scientist who played a leading role in India’s civilian space program and military missile development, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was affectionately known as the “People’s President.” He was immensely popular, especially among young people, for his inspirational speeches and humble demeanor.
1212. Pratibha Patil (2007-2012)
Pratibha Patil made history as the first woman to become President of India. A lawyer and politician from Maharashtra, she had served as the Governor of Rajasthan before her election to the presidency.
1313. Pranab Mukherjee (2012-2017)
A veteran politician with a long and distinguished career, Pranab Mukherjee held several key ministerial portfolios, including Finance, Defence, and External Affairs, before becoming President. He was widely respected for his deep knowledge of the Indian Constitution and political processes.
1414. Ram Nath Kovind (2017-2022)
Ram Nath Kovind was the second person from the Dalit community to be elected President. A lawyer by profession, he had a long career in public service, including serving as a Member of Parliament and the Governor of Bihar.
1515. Droupadi Murmu (2022-Present)
Droupadi Murmu is the current President of India and created history as the first person from a tribal community to hold the office. She is also the second woman to be President. Her journey from a small village in Odisha to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a powerful story of perseverance.
Conclusion
The list of all Presidents of India is more than just a record of names and dates. It’s a reflection of the nation’s democratic journey. Each President, with their unique background and character, has contributed to the story of a diverse, complex, and ever-evolving republic. They stand as a testament to the fact that in India, the path to the highest office is open to all citizens, regardless of their origins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who was the first President of India?
Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India, serving from 1950 to 1962.
Question: How is the President of India elected?
Answer: The President is indirectly elected by an electoral college comprising members of both houses of Parliament and the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories.
Question: What is the official term of a President?
Answer: The President of India serves a five-year term and can be re-elected for subsequent terms.
Question: Who is the current President of India?
Answer: The current President is Droupadi Murmu, who assumed office in July 2022.
Question: Has a President ever been impeached in India?
Answer: No, no President of India has ever been impeached. The process exists in the Constitution but has never been initiated.