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V.V. Giri
Popularly known as V.V.Giri, Varahagiri Venkata Giri was born on 10 August 1894 in Berhampur, Orissa. He championed the cause industrial workers in India and was well known as a Trade Unionist; he was the founder member of the All India Railway men’s Federation in 1923.
In 1928, V.V.Giri set up the Bengal Nagpur Railway Association which led the workers of the Bengal Nagpur Railway for the rights of the workers in a peaceful strike. Success of the strike forced the British Indian government and the Railway Management to accept workers’ demands. This was a great moment for the labour Movement of India. Further, in the year 1929 with N.M.Joshi and other members he formed the Indian Trade Union Federation (ITUF) which worked for the rights of workers all over India.
After independence, V.V.Giri remained active as a politician and was elected as the fourth President of India from 24 August 1969 to 24 August 1974. In 1975, Giri was honoured with the Bharat Ratna award. He died on 1980.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
Get the list of Bharat Ratna Awardees by clicking here.
