Shankar Sharma Indian statesman Date of Birth: 19.08.1918 Country: India

1. Early Life and Education
2. Independence Movement and Political Career
3. Supporting Indira Gandhi
4. Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab
5. Vice President and President
6. Presidential Term
7. Death and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Shankar Dayal Sharma, India's ninth president, was born in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on August 19, 1918. He excelled in his studies, earning degrees in English literature, Hindi, and Sanskrit from Allahabad University. His legal education was acquired at Cambridge University and Harvard Law School.

Independence Movement and Political Career

Sharma's political involvement began in the 1940s, when he actively participated in India's independence struggle against British rule. He joined the Indian National Congress, remaining a loyal member throughout his life. In 1952, he became the Chief Minister of Bhopal, serving until 1956 when Bhopal merged into the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Supporting Indira Gandhi

During the 1960s, Sharma became a staunch supporter of Indira Gandhi in her bid to lead the Indian National Congress. He held the position of Minister of Communications in her cabinet from 1974 to 1977. He was elected to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian parliament) from Bhopal in 1971 and 1980.

Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab

In 1984, Sharma was appointed Governor of Andhra Pradesh. During his tenure, his daughter, Geethanjali, and son-in-law, Lalit Maken, a young parliamentarian and rising politician, were assassinated by Sikh extremists. Following Indira Gandhi's assassination on October 31, 1984, Sharma became Governor of Punjab, a predominantly Sikh state, in 1985 amidst rising tensions between the Indian government and Sikh extremists.

Vice President and President

Sharma's political career reached its pinnacle in 1987 when he was elected Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament). In 1992, as Vice President, he contested and won the presidential election with a 66% majority, becoming India's ninth president.

Presidential Term

During his five-year presidential term, Sharma assumed the ceremonial responsibilities of the office, appointing and removing governors. In the final year of his presidency, he administered the oath of office to three Prime Ministers. He chose not to contest a second term.

Death and Legacy

On December 9, 1999, Sharma was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack, and passed away on December 26. He was cremated with state honors.