Neelam Sanjiva Reddy served as the sixth President of India between 1977 and 1982, marking the culmination of a political career that spanned the transition from British colonial rule to national independence. He held various executive and legislative roles, including twice serving as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and twice as Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Early Involvement in Independence
Born in Kadapa in 1913, Reddy was educated at the Rishi Valley School and the University of Madras. His political activities began following a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1929, which prompted him to leave his studies in 1931. He became a significant figure in the Indian independence movement, participating in the Quit India Movement. Between 1940 and 1945, he faced multiple imprisonments for his activism against the British Raj.
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Reddy entered formal governance as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India from 1946 to 1950. He subsequently served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh across two distinct periods, from 1956 to 1960 and again from 1962 to 1964. His tenure oversaw the initiation of major regional infrastructure projects, including the Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam developments. He also served as a Union Minister under prime ministers Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi.
Parliamentary Leadership and Presidency
As Speaker of the 4th Lok Sabha from 1967 to 1969, Reddy sought to maintain the office's independence by resigning from his political party. He returned to public life in 1977, winning election to the Lok Sabha and briefly serving as Speaker again before his unanimous election as President of India. During his presidential term, he navigated political shifts involving Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, and Indira Gandhi.
Fast facts
- Born: 1913, Kadapa
- Died: 1996, Bengaluru
- President of India: 1977–1982
- Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: 1956–1960, 1962–1964
- Speaker of the Lok Sabha: 1967–1969, 1977
- Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement: 1983
- Education: University of Madras; Rishi Valley School
Questions readers ask
What major roles did Neelam Sanjiva Reddy hold before becoming President?
He served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, a Union Minister, and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
When did he serve as Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement?
He held the position of Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1983.
