India’s Presidents have played a crucial role in guiding the nation through various political, social, and economic phases. Each has left a unique legacy, from Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India, to Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal President. Here’s a brief overview of some notable Presidents of India:
| 1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950–1962) |
| Longest-served President in Indian history (Served two full terms) |
| 2. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962–1967) |
| First Vice President of India before becoming the President. His birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India. |
| 3. Dr. Zakir Husain (1967–1969) |
| First Muslim President of India and also the first President to die in office. He was the co-founder of Jamia Millia Islamia University. |
| 4. Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1969–1974) |
| Only President to Serve as Acting President and Later Elected as President of India Only President to be awarded the Bharat Ratna during his lifetime. |
| 5. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974–1977) |
| Second President to Die in Office. President during the proclamation for the Emergency in 1975, a controversial period in Indian history. |
| 6. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977–1982) |
| Only President elected unopposed, with no other candidate contesting. Youngest person to assume the office of President. |
| 7. Giani Zail Singh (1982–1987) |
| First Sikh to hold the office of President in India. |
| 8. K. R. Narayanan (1997 to 2002) |
| First person from the Dalit community to hold the office of President in India |
| 9. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002–2007) |
| Nickname of “People’s President.” |
| 10. Pratibha Patil (2007–2012) |
| First woman to hold the office of President in India. |
| 11. Droupadi Murmu (2022–Present) |
| First President from a tribal community in India. |