WHY NOT THE NEXT VICE PRESIDENT BE A BRAHMIN? : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 WHY NOT THE NEXT VICE PRESIDENT BE A BRAHMIN?

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

(26-07-2025)

After ten years in office under Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, two years under VV Giri, three years under R Venkataraman, and five years under Shankar Dayal Sharma, the last Brahmin to hold the Constitutional Post of Vice President from 1987 to 1992, it is indeed strange that, not a single Brahmin has been considered for this office over the past 33 long years. The reasons may be political, apolitical, or shaped by evolving factors within Indian democracy. Yet, while democracy rightly celebrates diversity, the legacy of Brahmin Leadership merits serious reflection, especially when the election for Vice President is on the horizon.

The Great Prabhanda Literary Work Amuktamalyada authored by Emperor Srikrishna Devaraya, underscores the value of ‘Administrative Wisdom’ born out of Emperor’s deep trust in Brahmins as ‘Models of Decision, Learning, and Effectiveness’ especially when assigned vital responsibilities. Brahmins, deeply rooted in Vedic Scholarship, have enriched India's intellectual heritage, from sages like Vyasa to reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, embodying a tradition of learning and preparing themselves to lead and champion progressive reforms.

Drawing inspiration from such timeless insights, and applying them to Constitutional Offices, particularly the Vice Presidency of India, a role demanding intellectual depth, administrative finesse, and parliamentary procedures, the contributions of Brahmin Leaders present a compelling narrative of excellence. They not only stand on par with non-Brahmins, who have held the coveted office more frequently, both before and after 1992, but might be even more, had they got a chance. Despite every citizen being guaranteed equal rights by the Constitution, Brahmins have long been denied the Vice President’s office.

All the four Brahmin Vice Presidents, whose tenures later culminated in the Presidency, were marked by ‘Transformative Leadership’ notably in creating a shared vision, fostering a culture of innovation, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential as Presiding Officers and as Ex-Officio Chairmen of the Rajya Sabha with extraordinary brilliance.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952 to 1962) was a beacon of philosophical insight and educational zeal. He rose through sheer intellectual brilliance to become a professor of philosophy. His magnum opus, ‘Indian Philosophy’ emphasizes the synthesis of Eastern Wisdom with Western Rationalism. As Vice President, he championed education as the foundation of national development, advocating for universities that fostered critical thinking and human capital ideals.

VV Giri (1967 to 1969) balanced labor aspirations with productive efficiency. A Freedom Fighter and Trade Union Leader, he mediated industrial disputes to boost productivity without hindering enterprise. R Venkataraman (1984 to 1987), with his legal acumen, steered pivotal reforms focused on fiscal prudence and presided over the Rajya Sabha through scholarly debates. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1987 to 1992) exemplified consensus-building, integrating diverse perspectives, interests, and concerns through collective decision-making.

Studying and analyzes the role played by Brahmins leads to safe conclusion that they have been vital to the evolution of Indian Society as a whole, in whatever capacity they served. Social Reforms including Revolutionary ones, occurred largely due to the pro-active role of Brahmins. A significant number of Brahmins played crucial, often unrecognized roles with precision, ranging from social reform to modern science, literature to cinema, politics to public administration, spirituality to communism, and traditional values to progressive thought.

Post Independence Brahmins were in a position to attain important roles. However, over time, Brahmins across the country began to face targeted marginalization from various quarters, for diverse reasons, particularly in the southern states, from where three of the four Brahmin Vice Presidents hailed. Gradually, the Brahmin Community weakened socially, and opportunities especially in the political arena, steadily declined. A striking example is that for 33 long years, neither the UPA nor NDA, neither Congress nor BJP, considered a Brahmin for the Vice Presidency. Thus, Brahmins have become a suffering lot, socially, financially, and politically.

Against this background and context, the selection of a Brahmin Candidate for the Vice Presidency carries subtle yet profound advantages in India’s pluralistic democracy. Representing a dispersed and non-dominant community, comprising a negligible percentage of the population, Brahmins have nonetheless contributed significantly to fields like education, law, and science. With their neutral and erudite demeanor, they often serve as unifying figures. Such neutrality fosters stability, especially in times of uncertainty. In doing so, it strengthens the fabric of governance and encourages policies that emphasize skill development and economic integration. It is time now, to revive the Brahmin community’s identity, now faded despite its immense intellectual capital.

Among the most respected Brahmin personalities suitable for the post of Vice President of India are Nitin Jairam Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, and a Maratha Brahmin whose identity is publicly affirmed and widely acknowledged; Jagat Prakash (JP) Nadda, Union Minister of Health and BJP National President, who also belongs to the Brahmin Community; and Ashwini Kumar Choubey, former Union Minister of State for Health, popularly known as ‘Brahmin Face of the BJP in Bihar.’ Jairam Ramesh (Iyengar), a seasoned Tamil Brahmin Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Minister, known for his articulate legislative and policy interventions, would also be strong contenders.

Distinguished Legal Luminary, Justice V Ramasubramanian, former Supreme Court Judge and current Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India stands as an exemplary candidate. Octogenarian Padma Bhushan awardee Professor Kapil Kapoor, a Punjabi Brahmin who significantly shaped Indian educational and constitutional thought as Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor at JNU, where he established the Center for Sanskrit Studies, and served as editor of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism; Professor R Vaidyanathan, a Tamil Brahmin economist known for his continued policy contributions and constitutional-economic vision as a member of the National Security Advisory Board; and Padma Shri Prahlada Ramarao, a Kannadiga Madhwa Brahmin, proud father of the Akash Air Defense System and former Director of DRDL, all stand out as excellent choices for consideration.

Dr S Jaishankar, a Tamil Brahmin, is widely admired as India’s External Affairs Minister and former Foreign Secretary, offering constitutional diplomacy and strategic foresight at the highest institutional level. His global outlook and strong parliamentary presence make him a natural fit for the Vice President’s constitutional and diplomatic responsibilities. Nripendra Misra, a UP Brahmin, served as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Modi and chaired the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, reflecting deep expertise in administrative law and constitutional governance, will be a good choice.

From the Telugu States, there exists a distinguished pool of Brahmin stalwarts who are eminently qualified for consideration for the Vice Presidency. These include accomplished civil servants from the IAS and IPS cadres, eminent legal luminaries with deep constitutional grounding, and seasoned administrators who have held key positions at the state and national levels. Many have served as Chief Secretaries, Executive Officers of prominent religious institutions, Finance and Home Secretaries, and advisors in central ministries, earning admiration for their intellect, integrity, and leadership.

What distinguishes this cohort is not only their administrative brilliance and institutional experience but also their unwavering commitment to constitutional values, rule of law, and impartial governance. Known for upholding institutional norms even under political or bureaucratic pressure, these individuals have consistently demonstrated transparency and ethical conduct in public life. Their continued engagement post-retirement, through policy consultation, academic contribution, or mentoring, further reflects their dedication to public service. This legacy of integrity and competence from Telugu Brahmin Community makes a compelling case for consideration to the constitutional leadership roles such as the Vice Presidency.

These Brahmins and several others represent a remarkable blend of constitutional wisdom, legislative leadership, public service, diplomacy, intellectual stature, and importantly, an ‘Unambiguous Brahmin Identity.’ If given due consideration, their profiles reflect the stature, neutrality, and depth of experience that distinctly qualify them to be the next Vice President. Choosing a Brahmin as Vice President Candidate would restore long-overdue balance and reaffirm India's commitment to diversity in leadership and inclusive constitutional values.