R. Venkataraman was an Indian lawyer, Indian Independence Activist, and Politician who served as a Union Minister and as the eighth President of India.
Venkataraman was born in Rajamadam village in Tanjore district, Madras Presidency.
At a young age, he was an activist in the Indian Independence Movement and participated in the Quit India Movement.
He was elected to the Lok Sabha four times and served as Union Finance Minister and Defence Minister.
In 1984, R. Ventakaraman was elected as the Seventh Vice-President of India and in 1987, he became the Eighth President of India and served from 1987 to 1992.
He was a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted India's Constitution.
Venkataraman received the Doctorate of Law (Honoris Causa) from the University of Madras.
The title of "Sat Seva Ratna" was conferred on him by the Sankaracharya of Kancheepuram. He was a great devotee of the Paramacharya of Kanchi.
Venkataraman died at the Army Hospital, New Delhi on 27 January 2009 due to multiple organ failure at the age of 98.
He was cremated with full state honors at Ekta Sthal near Raj Ghat.