Narayanan, K R

▪ 2006

      Indian politician and diplomat (b. Feb. 4, 1921, Uzhavoor, India—d. Nov. 9, 2005, New Delhi, India), overcame poverty and prejudice to become the first Dalit—a member of India's lowest social caste, traditionally considered to be untouchable—to serve as India's president (1997–2002). Narayanan graduated from the University of Travancore (now the University of Kerala) in 1943 and worked as a journalist before attending the London School of Economics on a scholarship. Earning a degree in 1948, he returned to India and embarked on a diplomatic career, holding posts in a number of countries. As the first Indian ambassador to China (1976–78) since 1962, Narayanan used his expertise and his fluent Chinese to improve Sino-Indian relations. He served as vice-chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University from 1979 until 1980, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed him ambassador to the U.S. Narayanan again displayed his diplomatic skills, easing tensions between the two countries. In 1984 he was elected to Parliament as a member of the Congress Party, and he held a series of ministerial positions before becoming vice president in 1992. His election to the presidency five years later was heralded as the beginning of social and political change. As president, Narayanan exhibited an assertiveness rarely seen in the largely ceremonial post and frequently spoke out against the caste system.

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