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Varahagiri Venkata Giri, known as V.V. Giri, holds a prominent place in Indian history as the fourth President of India, serving from 1969 to 1974. Beyond his political achievements, Giri had an intriguing connection to the world of James Joyce and his monumental work, Ulysses. This connection adds a fascinating layer to Giri’s multifaceted life, blending his political career with a significant literary encounter.
Born on August 10, 1894, in Berhampur, Odisha, Giri was an ardent advocate for labor rights and an influential figure in India’s independence movement. He studied in Ireland from 1913 to 1916, having attended University College Dublin (UCD), where he pursued a degree in law. Giri was involved in the Irish nationalist movement during his time in Dublin, and he became acquainted with key figures in the Irish struggle for independence. His experiences in Ireland influenced his later involvement in the Indian independence movement.
At the same time, on the other end of Europe, Joyce began working on Ulysses in 1914. The novel was initially serialized in parts in the American journal The Little Review from 1918 to 1920. Joyce completed Ulysses in 1921, and it was published as a complete book on February 2, 1922, Joyce's 40th birthday.
Giri was suspected of having connections with key leaders of the 1916 Rising, including James Connolly, Pádraig H. Pearse, and the young Éamon de Valera. Although he was called to the Irish Bar on June 21, 1916, he did not complete his BA studies at UCD. Giri returned to India, where he embarked on a distinguished career in politics and labor activism. However, his Dublin experiences remained a cherished part of his intellectual heritage.
Giri’s political journey was marked by his dedication to labor rights and social justice. He played a crucial role in shaping India’s labor policies and was instrumental in the establishment of the All India Trade Union Congress. His tenure as President of India was characterized by his commitment to democratic values and social equity.
Welcome to the journey.
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