Varahagiri Venkata Giri, popularly known as V. V. Giri, occupies a unique place in Indian history as both a statesman and a labor leader. As the fourth President of India, he played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s democratic and socio-political framework. His contributions to labor rights, industrial relations, and constitutional governance make him a fascinating figure, particularly in the context of legal and labor law discussions. His journey from being a lawyer to a trade unionist and eventually the head of the Indian state is emblematic of his deep-rooted commitment to justice, equity, and national development.

Born on August 10, 1894, in Berhampur, in present-day Odisha, Giri hailed from a well-respected Telugu Brahmin family. His father, V. V. Jogaiah Pantulu, was a prominent political activist during the early years of India’s freedom movement. This exposure to political discourse and nationalist sentiment profoundly shaped Giri’s ideological orientation. After his early education in India, he traveled to Ireland to study law at the University College Dublin. His time in Ireland coincided with the country’s own struggle for independence, which influenced his worldview and strengthened his commitment to anti-colonialism and workers’ rights.

Called to the Bar at Inner Temple, London, Giri briefly practiced law upon returning to India. However, he soon found himself drawn to the labor movement, seeing in it a cause that aligned with his passion for social justice. His legal training equipped him with a sharp understanding of labor laws, industrial disputes, and workers’ rights, which became the bedrock of his future activism. In the 1920s, he became actively involved in trade unionism and joined the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC). Through his leadership, he emerged as a champion of labor rights, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and social security for industrial workers.

Giri’s involvement in labor politics saw him navigate a complex landscape of industrial unrest, economic fluctuations, and colonial resistance to workers’ demands. Unlike many contemporary leaders, he did not view labor movements merely through the lens of economic struggle but also as a crucial aspect of India’s freedom movement. His leadership in the Madras Labor Union and his role in shaping the early trade union movement made him a formidable voice in India’s labor policy discourse. He played a pivotal role in bringing labor issues to the national stage, ensuring they received due attention in legislative and policy-making processes.

His foray into mainstream politics began with his association with the Indian National Congress. A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Giri was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937 and served as the Minister for Labor in the provincial government. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening labor laws, ensuring workers’ welfare, and institutionalizing industrial dispute mechanisms. His legal expertise was instrumental in drafting policies that later became the foundation of India’s labor legislation post-independence.

With India’s independence in 1947, Giri’s role expanded further. He was appointed as the first High Commissioner of India to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where he represented India’s interests in a crucial geopolitical context. His diplomatic tenure was followed by a return to active politics, where he served as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka at different points. His gubernatorial roles further cemented his reputation as a constitutional expert and an able administrator who could mediate between the executive and the legislature with dexterity.

Giri’s most defining moment came in 1969 when he was elected as the fourth President of India. His election was a landmark event in Indian political history, as he became the first and, to date, the only President to win as an independent candidate after resigning from the post of Vice-President to contest the election. His tenure as President from 1969 to 1974 was marked by a strong emphasis on workers’ rights, economic equity, and constitutional propriety. He advocated for policies that would bridge the gap between industrialists and workers, emphasizing the need for a collaborative rather than adversarial approach in labor relations.

One of Giri’s most notable contributions as President was his role in reinforcing the concept of the ‘Garam Hawa’ or the pro-worker policies that gained momentum during his tenure. He underscored the importance of nationalization in key sectors and stressed the need for equitable labor laws that would protect workers from exploitation. His advocacy for minimum wages, job security, and industrial peace became a guiding framework for subsequent labor policies in India. While he was often seen as a pro-worker President, he balanced this stance with a constitutional approach that ensured executive decisions remained within the legal framework.

His presidency was not without challenges. India was grappling with economic instability, social unrest, and political realignments. Yet, his leadership provided stability, particularly in labor-intensive industries where his policies encouraged harmonious employer-employee relations. Giri’s role in influencing labor jurisprudence in India remains significant, as he helped shape key laws such as the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, both of which continue to be cornerstones of labor law in India.

Beyond his political and legal contributions, Giri was also an intellectual force. He wrote extensively on labor relations, industrial disputes, and economic policies. His book ‘Industrial Relations and Labour Problems in India’ is considered a seminal work in labor studies and is frequently referenced in legal and academic circles. His insights into the interconnectedness of law, economy, and social welfare have left an enduring impact on India’s policy landscape.

Even after his tenure as President ended in 1974, Giri remained an influential figure in policy discussions. He continued to advocate for labor reforms and was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his immense contributions to the nation.

V. V. Giri’s legacy is that of a leader who bridged the gap between legal advocacy and political governance. His unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, legal justice, and democratic values set him apart as a statesman of rare caliber. For legal scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, his life offers valuable lessons on the role of law in shaping equitable labor policies and fostering industrial harmony. His contributions continue to resonate in India’s labor laws, judicial interpretations, and policy frameworks, making him an enduring figure in the annals of India’s legal and political history.