Election of K.R. Narayanan, first Dalit President of India

Statesman, diplomat and politician, KR Narayanan was India's first President from the Dalit community. Born in a community whose members practised fishery, boat-building and sea trade, he overcame great struggles during his early years. At times he would have to walk 15 kilometres each day to school, and was often unable to pay the fee. Joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1949, he eventually served as Ambassador to Turkey, Thailand and China. He served as Vice President of India from 1992 to 1997, and as President of India from 1997 to 2002.