The President of India List is the constitutional head of the country and the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces. As per the Indian Constitution, the role of the President is largely ceremonial, with real executive power vested in the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. However, the President plays a crucial role in upholding the Constitution, making key appointments, and addressing extraordinary situations where political instability may arise.
Since India became a Republic on January 26, 1950, the nation has witnessed a series of distinguished leaders who have held the highest office. Below is a comprehensive list of all the Presidents of India, their tenure, and their contributions to the nation.
President of India List
Here is a list of all the presidents of India till date.
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950-1962)
India’s first President and the only one to serve two full terms, Dr. Rajendra Prasad played a vital role in shaping the country’s democratic foundations. He was also the President of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Indian Constitution. His tenure saw the consolidation of India’s democracy, the reorganization of states, and the implementation of significant agrarian reforms. He was a staunch advocate for self-sufficiency and worked towards ensuring that India’s economic policies supported its vast agrarian base.
2. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962-1967)
A renowned philosopher and educationist, Dr. Radhakrishnan emphasized the importance of education and moral values. His birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India. He was instrumental in promoting India’s rich philosophical traditions on the global stage, advocating for a balanced education system that incorporated both modern scientific knowledge and traditional Indian wisdom.
3. Dr. Zakir Husain (1967-1969)
Dr. Zakir Husain was the first Muslim President of India. Unfortunately, he passed away during his tenure, making him the first Indian President to die in office. He was an ardent supporter of education, having served as the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University before assuming the presidency. His tenure saw efforts to strengthen educational institutions and promote cultural unity in India.
4. V. V. Giri (1969-1974)
V. V. Giri was the first President elected as an independent candidate. He played a pivotal role in advocating labor rights and social justice. His tenure was marked by significant developments in labor laws, aimed at improving the working conditions of the industrial workforce and promoting employment generation programs.
5. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974-1977)
During his tenure, the Emergency (1975-1977) was declared in India. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was the second President to pass away while in office. His role during the Emergency was controversial, as he was responsible for approving several controversial ordinances that curtailed democratic freedoms. However, he also worked towards strengthening diplomatic ties with neighboring countries.
6. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977-1982)
Elected unopposed, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was the first President to be elected without opposition. He was also the youngest to assume the office. His tenure was marked by a return to democratic governance after the Emergency period, and he played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition of power.
7. Giani Zail Singh (1982-1987)
Giani Zail Singh was the first Sikh President of India. His tenure witnessed significant political events, including Operation Blue Star and the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Despite these challenges, he worked to promote communal harmony and national unity during a turbulent period in Indian history.
8. R. Venkataraman (1987-1992)
A veteran freedom fighter and economist, R. Venkataraman played a key role in the economic and defense policies of India during his tenure. His presidency saw the early discussions around economic liberalization, which would later transform India’s economy.
9. Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992-1997)
Dr. Sharma served as the Vice President before becoming the President. He was known for his commitment to constitutional propriety and integrity. His term was notable for his emphasis on upholding constitutional values and promoting ethical governance.
10. K. R. Narayanan (1997-2002)
K. R. Narayanan was the first Dalit President of India. His tenure was marked by progressive policies and social justice initiatives. He was a strong advocate for inclusive governance and used his position to highlight issues of caste discrimination and economic inequality.
11. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002-2007)
One of the most beloved Presidents, Dr. Kalam was known as the “Missile Man of India.” His contributions to India’s space and missile programs earned him immense respect. His tenure saw efforts to inspire the youth, promote scientific research, and encourage innovation in technology and education.
12. Pratibha Patil (2007-2012)
Pratibha Patil became the first woman to hold the office of the President of India. Her tenure focused on social welfare and empowerment of women. She worked extensively to promote women’s rights and was involved in initiatives to improve health and education for underprivileged sections of society.
13. Pranab Mukherjee (2012-2017)
A seasoned politician and former Union Minister, Pranab Mukherjee brought immense political experience to the presidency. He played a key role in legislative matters and diplomatic affairs. His tenure saw an emphasis on strengthening India’s foreign relations and promoting economic reforms.
14. Ram Nath Kovind (2017-2022)
A lawyer and politician from the Dalit community, Ram Nath Kovind focused on social inclusion, education, and rural development during his tenure. His presidency was marked by efforts to bridge social divides and promote equal opportunities for all citizens.
15. Droupadi Murmu (2022-Present)
Droupadi Murmu made history by becoming the first tribal woman President of India. Her leadership represents inclusivity and empowerment of marginalized communities. She has focused on environmental sustainability, indigenous rights, and social upliftment.
Significance of the President of India List
The President of India List performs several key functions, including:
- Appointing the Prime Minister and other key officials
- Giving assent to bills passed by Parliament
- Addressing the nation on important occasions
- Overseeing emergency provisions when required
- Representing India at international events
- Acting as the guardian of the Constitution
- Supervising the smooth functioning of the parliamentary system
The President of India plays a crucial role in the democratic framework, upholding the Constitution and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government. Over the years, each President has contributed uniquely to the nation’s progress, leaving a lasting impact on India’s history and governance.
FAQs
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India, serving from 1950 to 1962.
As of 2024, Droupadi Murmu is the President of India.
Pratibha Patil was the first woman President of India, serving from 2007 to 2012.
The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) of states and Union territories.
