Neelam Sanjiva Reddy | A Biography

 

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was a prominent Indian politician who served as the sixth president of India from 1977 to 1982. With a long and illustrious political career, Reddy held several key offices in independent India before becoming the president. Let's delve deeper into the life and legacy of this influential figure.

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy At a Glance:

• Date of Birth:- 19/05/1913
• Birth Place:- Village-Illur, District- Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh
• Father:- Neelam Chinnapa Reddy
• Spouse:- Neelam Nagaratnamma
• Alma mater:- Madras University
• Speaker of the Lok Sabha:- 1967-1969
• Presidential Tenure:- 1977-1982
• Death:- 1 June 1996, at the age of 83

 

Early Life and Political Career

Born on May 19, 1913, in the present-day Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, Reddy completed his schooling in Adayar and joined the Government Arts College in Anantapur. However, his passion for India's freedom struggle led him to quit college and join the Indian independence movement. He was subsequently jailed for participating in the Quit India Movement.

Reddy began his political career with the Indian National Congress Party and was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1946. He became the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra State in 1953 and the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 1956. Reddy also served as a union cabinet minister under Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi from 1964 to 1967 and later as the Lok Sabha Speaker from 1967 to 1969.

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy's political career was marked by his commitment to public service and his unwavering dedication to the Indian people. After his tenure as the President of India, Reddy continued to serve the nation in various capacities. He was appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Political Reforms and the Constitution Review Committee. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

Reddy's contributions to the Indian political landscape were significant. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the Janata Party, a political alliance that emerged as a strong opposition to the ruling Congress Party in the 1970s. He was also instrumental in the formation of the National Front, a coalition of political parties that came to power in 1989.

Reddy was widely respected for his integrity, wisdom, and statesmanship. He was known for his ability to navigate complex political situations and build consensus among different factions. He was also a champion of democracy and believed in the power of the people to bring about positive change.

In recognition of his contributions to the nation, Reddy was awarded several honors and awards. He was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 1979. He was also awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, posthumously in 1997.

 Neelam Sanjiva Reddy's political career was marked by his tireless commitment to public service and his unwavering dedication to the Indian people. He was a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian political landscape and his contributions will always be remembered and celebrated.

 Presidential Tenure

Reddy retired from active politics but returned in 1975 in response to Jayaprakash Narayan's call for "Total Revolution" against the Indira Gandhi Government. He was elected to Parliament in 1977 as a candidate of the Janata Party and subsequently became the Speaker of the Sixth Lok Sabha. Three months later, he was elected unopposed as the President of India.

During his tenure as president, Reddy worked with Prime Ministers Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, and Indira Gandhi. He was known for his integrity, humility, and impartiality, which earned him widespread respect and admiration.

During his tenure as the President of India, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy played a crucial role in upholding the Constitution and safeguarding the values of democracy. He was a firm believer in the principle of "checks and balances" and worked tirelessly to ensure that the democratic institutions of the country remained strong and independent.

One of the key achievements of Reddy's Presidency was the introduction of the anti-defection law, which was aimed at curbing the practice of lawmakers switching parties for personal gain. The law was passed during his tenure and has since been a cornerstone of India's democratic system.

Reddy was also known for his efforts to promote national unity and harmony. He emphasized the need for India to move beyond regional and caste-based divisions and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. He was a staunch advocate of the idea of "unity in diversity" and worked to promote interfaith harmony and national integration.

Another notable aspect of Reddy's Presidency was his commitment to promoting science and technology. He believed that scientific advancements were crucial for the progress and development of the nation and was a strong advocate of investing in scientific research and education. During his tenure, he also inaugurated the National Science Centre in New Delhi.

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy's Presidency was marked by his unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, national unity, and scientific progress. He played a crucial role in shaping the course of India's political and social development and his contributions continue to inspire generations of Indians.

Legacy and Commemoration:

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy's contributions to Indian politics and society have been widely recognized and commemorated. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, national unity, and scientific progress. He is remembered as a statesman who upheld the highest ideals of public service and dedicated his life to the betterment of the nation.

Several institutions and landmarks have been named after Reddy in recognition of his contributions. The Neelam Sanjiva Reddy Bhavan, a government building in Hyderabad, is named after him. The Neelam Sanjiva Reddy Memorial Museum, located in his hometown of Anantapur, showcases his life and achievements.

In 2013, the Government of Andhra Pradesh commemorated Reddy's birth centenary by organizing a series of events and programs. The occasion was marked by the release of a commemorative stamp and a special issue of a leading Indian newspaper. Reddy's contributions to Indian politics and society continue to inspire generations of Indians. His steadfast commitment to democracy and national unity serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those who seek to build a better India.