Neelam Sanjiva Reddy Biography, Political Career, Role in Freedom Struggle and Legacy

Context: The government honoured Neelam Sajiva Reddy on his 110th birth anniversary.

About Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (19 May 1913 – 1 June 1996) was an eminent Indian statesman and politician who was the sixth President of India from 1977 to 1982. His political life extended from the Indian independence movement to important roles in independent India.

Role of Neelam Sanjiva Reddy in the Freedom Struggle

• Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s visit in 1929, he joined the independence movement.
• Dropped out of college in 1931 to participate in the struggle.
• Actively participated in the Quit India Movement; imprisoned multiple times (1940–1945).
• Held the post of Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Provincial Congress Committee (1938–48).

Political Career of Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

• Member of the Constituent Assembly from Madras (did not participate in debates).
• Elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly (1946).
• Served as Minister for Prohibition, Housing, and Forests in Madras State (1949–51).
• First CM of unified Andhra Pradesh (1956–60).
• Championed irrigation and development projects – including Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam dams.
• Held several Union Cabinet posts: Steel & Mines, Transport, Shipping, and Tourism.
• Speaker of Lok Sabha (1967–69) – known for neutrality and institutional reforms.
• Set up the Welfare Committee for SC/STs during his tenure.

President of India (1977–1982)

Elected unopposed as the 6th President of India, post-Emergency.

• Worked with three PMs: Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, and Indira Gandhi.
• Took a 70% salary cut and shifted out of Rashtrapati Bhavan to show solidarity with the poor.

Legacy of Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

• Autobiography: Written Without Fear or Favour: Reminiscences and Reflections of a President, which gives insights into his presidency.
• Honours: The Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy Stadium at Anantapur and the locality of S. R. Nagar at Hyderabad are named after him.
• Passing: Passed away on 1 June 1996 in Bangalore at the age of 83.

He served under three Prime Ministers: Morarji Desai, Charan Singh, and Indira Gandhi, during his presidency. He was famous for his adherence to constitutional principles, his accessibility, and his efforts towards national integration.

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy died on June 1, 1996, leaving behind a legacy as a committed public servant, an able politician, and a revered national leader. He wrote his memoirs entitled “Without Fear or Favour: Reminiscences and Reflections of a President.“

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