The career of Ram Nath Kovind spans the judiciary and the executive branch of India, culminating in his service as the 14th President of India from 2017 to 2022. He holds the distinction of being the first individual from Uttar Pradesh and the first member of the Bharatiya Janata Party to occupy this high office.
Legal Practice and Early Appointments
Born in 1945 in the Kanpur Dehat district, Kovind pursued commerce and law at DAV College, Kanpur. In 1971, he enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi. His legal tenure included serving as a Central Government Advocate in the Delhi High Court between 1977 and 1979, and as a standing counsel for the Central Government in the Supreme Court of India from 1980 until 1993. During this period, he also acted as a personal assistant to Prime Minister Morarji Desai.
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Kovind entered the Rajya Sabha in April 1994, representing Uttar Pradesh. Over twelve years, he held two consecutive terms until March 2006. His parliamentary duties involved participation in multiple committees, including those focused on petroleum, natural gas, social justice, and law. He also chaired the Rajya Sabha House Committee and utilized the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme to support rural educational infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Governorship of Bihar
In August 2015, Kovind was appointed the 26th Governor of Bihar. His tenure was marked by the establishment of a judicial commission aimed at auditing university expenditures and teacher appointments. Although his initial appointment faced criticism regarding standard consultation protocols, his performance later received recognition from political leadership for his neutral stance and active cooperation with the state government.
Presidency and Post-Tenure
Following his election in July 2017, where he secured over 65% of the electoral college vote, Kovind served a five-year term as President. Throughout this period, he addressed joint sessions of Parliament and oversaw the swearing-in of multiple Supreme Court justices. In 2023, he was appointed to chair an eight-member committee tasked with proposing constitutional amendments for the Government of India.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, Kanpur Dehat district, India
- President of India: 2017-2022
- Governor of Bihar: 2015-2017
- Rajya Sabha Member: 1994-2006
- Religion: Hinduism
- Education: DAV College, Kanpur
- Citizenship: India
- Awards: Grand Order of King Tomislav, National Order of Madagascar, Order of the Condor of the Andes, National Order of Merit
Questions readers ask
What was Ram Nath Kovind's primary occupation before politics?
He was a lawyer who practiced in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India until 1993.
Was he the first member of his political party to serve as President?
Yes, he was the first member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold the office of President of India.
Achievements
- National Order of Merit
- Worked as politician, lawyer and governor
