Kocheril Raman Narayanan
- Born:
- October 27, 1920, Perumthanam, Travancore, British India
- Died:
- November 9, 2005, New Delhi, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Diplomat, Academic, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Born into a Dalit family.
- Educated at Government Upper Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes School, and CMS College, Kottayam.
- Earned a B.A. (Honours) and M.A. in English Literature from the University of Travancore.
- Later studied at the London School of Economics with a focus on economics and political science.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1949.
- Served as Ambassador to Thailand, Turkey, China, and the United States.
- Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from 1979 to 1980.
- Elected to the Lok Sabha in 1984, 1989, and 1991 from Ottapalam constituency.
- Served as Minister of State in the Union Cabinet under Rajiv Gandhi.
- Elected as the ninth Vice-President of India in 1992.
- Elected as the tenth President of India in 1997, serving until 2002. He was the first Dalit President of India.
Notable Works
- Contributed articles to various journals and newspapers on political and economic issues.
- Delivered numerous speeches and addresses on national and international affairs.
Legacy and Impact
Kocheril Raman Narayanan, often referred to as K. R. Narayanan, left an indelible mark on Indian politics and society. As a diplomat, academic, and statesman, he championed social justice and inclusivity. This brief biography of K R Narayanan highlights his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the highest office in the land, serving as an inspiration for generations.