Who Is Ramaswamy Venkataraman? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ramaswamy Venkataraman was born on December 4, 1910. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 115th birthday if he were still alive. Venkataraman played a pivotal role in Indian politics, notably serving as the President of India from 1987 to 1992. He was also known for his contributions as a lawyer and a politician, who held several important positions throughout his career. His tenure in office is remembered for various reforms and efforts to modernize the Indian political landscape.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1910 |
| Age | 98 Years |
| Birth Place | Rajamadam, Madras, British India (now Tamil Nadu, India) |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 27 January, 2009 |
| Died Place | New Delhi, Delhi, India |
Popularity
Ramaswamy Venkataraman's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding Ramaswamy Venkataraman’s physical stature during his lifetime include:
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Average build, specifics unknown
- Body Measurements: Not publicly documented but reflect an average body type common among Indian males of his era.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ramaswamy Venkataraman was married to his wife, Malathi Venkataraman, for many years until his death in 2009. The couple had two children, a son and a daughter, contributing to the political legacy of the Venkataraman family. His family maintained a low profile, reflecting Venkataraman's own inclination towards a private life outside the political spotlight.
As Minister of Industries, Venkataraman proved to be an able administrator who ushered in a period of industrial development in Madras.
He championed the idea of industrial estates, the first of which was established at Guindy, and succeeded in getting investments in major public sector undertakings such as the Integral Coach Factory, Neyveli Lignite Corporation and the Heavy Vehicles Factory.
Venkataraman persuaded the TVS Group to set up a factory at Padi and several other private companies including Ashok Leyland, Hindustan Motors and Enfield established their automobile factories in Madras during this time.
Tamil Nadu’s industrialization has been widely credited to steps initiated during Venkataraman’s decade as the state’s industries minister and he has been described as the “father of industrialization” in Tamil Nadu.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures regarding Ramaswamy Venkataraman's net worth at the time of his passing are not readily available, as a former President of India, he would have received a substantial salary and benefits. In 2009, the President of India was entitled to a salary of approximately ₹1.5 lakh per month (around $2,000 USD), along with additional perks and a pension post-tenure. Though there are no confirmed figures for his total earnings or net worth, his legacy and contributions provide a significant historical value beyond mere monetary measures.
Venkataraman was re-elected to the Lok Sabha from the Madras South constituency in the 1980 general election with an improved majority of over 120,000 votes. He was sworn in as Cabinet Minister in charge of Finance in the Indira Gandhi ministry on 14 January 1980. During January to April, 1980 he was also Minister of Industry.
As finance minister, Venkataraman presented the interim and final budgets for 1980 and the budget in 1981. Venkataraman’s budget in 1981 was seen as favouring the middle class and industry, focusing on improving growth and savings in the economy while raising customs duty on all imported goods to raise revenue.
In the same year, he introduced a bill for the establishment of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development which was passed by Parliament.
Career, Business and Investments
Ramaswamy Venkataraman’s career was predominantly in public service and law. After graduating with a degree in law from the University of Madras, he became an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle and later served in various capacities, including:
- Minister of Finance in the Tamil Nadu government.
- Minister of Defense of India.
- Vice President of India from 1987 to 1992.
While practising law, Venkataraman was drawn into the movement for India's freedom from Britain's colonial subjugation. His active participation in the Indian National Congress's celebrated resistance to the British Government, the Quit India Movement of 1942, resulted in his detention for two years under the Defence of India Rules.
Venkataraman's interest in the law continued during this period.
In 1946, when the transfer of power from British to Indian hands was imminent, the Government of India included him in the panel of lawyers sent to Malaya and Singapore to defend Indian nationals charged with offences of collaboration during the Japanese occupation of those two places.
In the years 1947 to 1950, Venkataraman served as Secretary of the Madras Provincial Bar Federation.
Social Network
Ramaswamy Venkataraman was known for his reticent lifestyle and did not extensively engage on social media platforms. However, his legacy is honored and shared through various historical and cultural organizations dedicated to preserving the history of Indian leaders. His contributions are also documented in digital and print forms, reflecting his influence on Indian politics.
Education
Ramaswamy Venkataraman received his early education in Tamil Nadu before pursuing higher studies at the University of Madras. He graduated with a degree in law, equipping him with the knowledge and skills that would serve him throughout his political career. His education laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles in governance and law.
Educated locally and in the city of Madras (now Chennai), Venkataraman obtained his master's degree in economics from Loyola College, Madras. He later qualified in Law from the Law College, Madras. Venkataraman was enrolled in the Madras High Court in 1935 and in the Supreme Court in 1951.
Conclusion
Ramaswamy Venkataraman remains a significant figure in Indian history, with his contributions to the country's political landscape enduring beyond his lifetime. Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy is cherished by many, and his life serves as an inspiration for future generations.
