Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu was born on July 1, 1949, in Chavatapalem, a village in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. His early education was completed at V.R. High School and V.R. College in Nellore, followed by his legal studies at Andhra University’s Law College in Visakhapatnam, where he earned his B.L. degree.
Shri Naidu is an agriculturist and farmer by profession, and he has dedicated his life to political and social work. His political career is marked by his leadership roles and substantial contributions to the development of urban infrastructure and governance in India.
He served as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from July 2002 to December 2003 and again from January 2004 to October 2004. His leadership during these periods was instrumental in shaping the party’s strategies and expanding its influence across the nation.
Shri Naidu has been a four-time Member of Parliament, during which he held several key ministerial positions. From May 26, 2014, to July 5, 2016, he served as the Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, and Parliamentary Affairs. His tenure in these ministries was marked by significant initiatives aimed at urban development and improving living conditions for the urban poor.
His most distinguished role was as the Vice President of India and Ex-Officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, from August 11, 2017, to August 10, 2022. In this capacity, he brought a new level of decorum and efficiency to the functioning of the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament.
Beyond his political career, Shri Naidu has also served as the Chancellor (Ex-Officio) of Delhi University, Panjab University, and Pondicherry University. His academic contributions and leadership in these institutions have been widely recognized.
In recognition of his contributions to the rule of law, democracy, and sustainable development, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate by the University for Peace in Costa Rica on March 8, 2019. Further, he was conferred with ‘the Order of the Green Crescent’, the highest civilian honor of Comoros, by the President of Comoros on October 11, 2019.
Shri Naidu is also an accomplished author, with three major publications to his credit. These include:
1. Moving on…Moving Forward: A Year in Office
2. Listening, Learning and Leading: A Chronicle of the Vice President of India’s Two Years in Office
3. Connecting, Communicating, Changing: Vice President’s Third Year in Office
These works reflect his experiences, insights, and vision for India’s future, making them valuable resources for understanding his approach to governance and public service.
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu’s career is a testament to his dedication to public service, his leadership in urban development, and his commitment to the principles of democracy and sustainable development. His contributions continue to inspire many in the fields of politics, education, and social work.
