UPSC Prelims 2009 Q1: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Among the following Presidents of India, who was also the Secretary General of Non - Aligned
Movement for some period?
- (a) Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
- (b) Varahagiri Venkata Giri
- (c) Giani Zail Singh
- (d) Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma
Answer: (c) Giani Zail Singh
Explanation
The President who also led the Non-Aligned Movement
One President of India held a notable dual role on the international stage.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | Incorrect | A distinguished philosopher-President, but not linked to the NAM Secretary-General role |
| (b) Varahagiri Venkata Giri | Incorrect | Not associated with this NAM leadership role |
| (c) Giani Zail Singh | Correct | As President of India, Giani Zail Singh also served as the Chairman/Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement, notably around the 1983 New Delhi NAM Summit, which India hosted |
| (d) Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma | Incorrect | Also not linked to this specific NAM role |
NAM and India's Presidents:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| NAM host/chair | Giani Zail Singh, during the 1983 New Delhi Summit |
| Role | India assumed NAM leadership as the summit host nation's President |
Answer: (c) Giani Zail Singh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Radhakrishnan is known for his philosophical contributions, not this NAM role.
- (b) Incorrect. V.V. Giri is not associated with NAM leadership.
- (c) CORRECT. Giani Zail Singh, as President, also served in the NAM leadership role around the 1983 New Delhi Summit.
- (d) Incorrect. Shankar Dayal Sharma is not linked to this specific NAM role.
Key point
Giani Zail Singh, as President of India, also served as the Non-Aligned Movement's leader around the 1983 New Delhi NAM Summit.
Remember
Giani Zail Singh: President of India who also served as the Non-Aligned Movement's Secretary-General/Chairman around 1983.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Giani Zail Singh's NAM role with other Presidents' diplomatic activities.
- Not connecting the 1983 New Delhi NAM Summit to India's presidency-level NAM leadership.
- Assuming philosopher-President Radhakrishnan held every notable international title.
Exam tip
Giani Zail Singh = President of India AND NAM leader during the 1983 New Delhi Summit. A specific, dual-role fact.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Zail Singh
- Non-Aligned Movement — Final Document of the Seventh Summit Conference, New Delhi (March 1983)