Varahagiri Venkata Giri commonly known as V. V. Giri, was the fourth President of India. He was also the 3rd Vice President of India. He was the President from 24 August 1969 to 24 August 1974. As President, Giri was the only person to be elected as an independent candidate. He was succeeded by Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed as President in 1974. After the end of his full term, Giri was honoured by the Government of India with the Bharat Ratna in 1975. Giri died on 24 June 1980.