R. Venkataraman, former President of India, a spectacular personality has passed away today in New Delhi.Former President R Venkataraman passed away on Tuesday in Army Hospital at New Delhi. He was suffering from Urosepsis and was joined to the Army Hospital on January 12th. After joining the hospital, his condition grew even critical. This 98 year old former President served as 8th President of India from July 25th 1987 to July 25th 1992.
Venkataraman was born on 4th of December 1910. His native place is Rajamaadam in Tanjore District of Tamil Nadu. All his education was done in Chennai and did PG in Economics. Later he practiced Law in Madras Hi-Court. He even participated in freedom struggle and involved in Quit India movement and also spent in jail for 2 years.
Venkataraman became MP in 1950 and got elected for Lok Sabha in 1977. In his tenure he served as Finance Minister and Defence Minister. It was in 1984, he became the Vice President of India.
A true nationalist, a firm believer in secularism, democracy and Gandhian principle of non-violence, Ramaswamy Venkataraman was also a legal luminary, eminent trade union leader, renowned economist, distinguished parliamentarian and above all, a humanitarian to the core. He was a member of the Madras Legislative Council (1957-67) and the Leader of the House (1957-67). He was also a member of the Provisional Parliament and the Lok Sabha. As Union Minister, he held the key portfolios of Finance and Defence. He was also a Member of the Planning Commission. He was the Vice-President of India and the ex officio Chairman, Rajya Sabha from 31 August 1984 to 24 July 1987 and the President of India from 25 July 1987 to 25 July 1992.
