Shankar Dayal Sharma Biography ( Ninth President )

 Shankar Dayal Sharma (1918-1999) was an Indian politician and the ninth President of India, serving from 1992 to 1997. He was born on August 19, 1918, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, British India (now in India). Sharma was a distinguished lawyer, scholar, and statesman, known for his intellect, integrity, and commitment to democratic values.

Sharma completed his education at Agra University and later pursued higher studies at Lucknow University, where he obtained a Master's degree in English literature. He went on to study law at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and was called to the Bar from Lincoln's Inn, London.

Returning to India, Sharma began his legal career in the Allahabad High Court and soon gained recognition as a brilliant advocate. He played an active role in the Indian independence movement and was associated with the Indian National Congress. Sharma also worked closely with prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

In 1971, Sharma was elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, and he served as a Minister of Communications in the Indira Gandhi government. He held several other important portfolios during his political career, including Minister of Industry and Minister of Education.

Shankar Dayal Sharma's most significant achievement came in 1992 when he was elected as the President of India, succeeding R. Venkataraman. As President, Sharma was known for upholding the dignity and constitutional values of the office. He played a crucial role in preserving the democratic fabric of the country during a period of political turmoil.

During his tenure, Sharma faced several challenges, including the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya and the subsequent communal tensions. He expressed his deep concern over these events and urged for communal harmony and national integration. Sharma advocated for secularism, social justice, and inclusive governance throughout his presidency.

After completing his term as President in 1997, Sharma retired from active politics and returned to public life as a respected elder statesman. He continued to be involved in various educational and philanthropic initiatives, promoting the values of democracy and social welfare.

Shankar Dayal Sharma passed away on December 26, 1999, in New Delhi, India. His contribution to Indian politics, his commitment to upholding democratic ideals, and his scholarly pursuits have left a lasting impact on the nation. Sharma is remembered as a highly respected and revered figure in Indian political history.