In 1980, Venkataraman was re-elected to the Lok Sabha and was appointed finance minister in the government headed by Indira Gandhi.
He was later appointed the Union minister of defence, before becoming India's Vice President and then the President. He served as the 8th President of India from 1987 to 1992. He also held various ministerial positions. After graduating in economics from the Madras Uniersity, he pursued a law degree and joined the Madras high court in 1935 and the Supreme Court in 1951.
In the finance ministry, Venkataraman was succeeded by Pranab Mukherjee who was the finance minister from 1982-85. He was followed by V P Singh who took charge of the finance ministry during 1985-87.
Shankarrao Chavan
Shankarrao Bhaurao Chavan was elected as the chief minister of Maharastra twice from 1975 to 1977 and from March 13, 1986 to June 24, 1988. Chavan was Union finance minister during 1987-1990. Chavan was also the home minister in the Narasimha Rao Cabinet.
He graduated from Madras University and did his LL.B. from Osmania University. Like the current finance minister, P Chidambaram, Chavan too started his career as a lawyer.
With good administrative skills and eagerness to work for social causes, he became a leader of the masses. He was followed by Madhu Dandavate who was the finance minister for a brief period in 1990-91.
Image: Ramaswamy Venkataraman. Inset: Shankarrao Chavan
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