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Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu was born on July 1, 1949, in Chavatapalem village near Venkatachalam in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. He pursued his early education at Zilla Parishad High School in Bucchireddy Palem and later earned a bachelor's degree in politics and diplomatic studies from V. R. College, Nellore. Subsequently, he obtained a law degree specializing in international law from Andhra University College of Law, Visakhapatnam. During his college years, Naidu was actively involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), where he served as the president of the students' union of colleges affiliated with Andhra University.
Political Beginnings
Naidu gained prominence during the Jai Andhra Movement of 1972, playing a significant role in Nellore. In 1974, he became the convener of the Jayaprakash Narayan Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti of Andhra Pradesh and was imprisoned during the Emergency for his opposition to the government. His leadership skills and dedication to public service saw him elected twice as an MLA from Udaygiri constituency in Andhra Pradesh in 1978 and 1983.
Rise in National Politics
Naidu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and quickly rose through the ranks. He was elected as a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka in 1998 and was re-elected in 2004 and 2010. Between 1996 and 2000, he served as the BJP spokesperson, gaining recognition for his oratory skills and engaging public addresses across India, including in Hindi.
Ministerial Roles
In the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, Naidu served as the Union Cabinet Minister for Rural Development, where he spearheaded several initiatives, including the 'Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana' to improve rural connectivity. Later, in the Narendra Modi government, he held key ministerial portfolios such as Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Urban Development, and Information and Broadcasting.
Vice President of India
On August 11, 2017, Naidu took oath as the 13th Vice President of India and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In this role, he focused on enhancing parliamentary efficiency and promoting national unity.
Awards and Recognition
In 2024, the Government of India honored Venkaiah Naidu with the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian award, recognizing his significant contributions to Indian politics and governance.
Legacy
Known for his strong advocacy for farmers' rights and rural development, Naidu remains a respected leader with a vast legacy of service. His remarkable political journey and commitment to national progress continue to inspire many.