Radhakrishnan Assumes Role as Rajya Sabha Chairman
New Delhi: In a solemn ceremony at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan on September 12, 2025, C. P. Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event marked a significant milestone in Radhakrishnan’s illustrious career, transitioning from his recent role as Governor of Maharashtra to one of the nation’s highest constitutional offices.
Following the swearing-in, Radhakrishnan paid homage to iconic leaders of India, visiting Rajghat to honour Mahatma Gandhi, Sadaiv Atal to pay tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya memorial at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, and Kisan Ghat to commemorate former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. These visits underscored his commitment to the values of service, unity, and progress that these leaders embodied.
Born on May 4, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A Bachelor’s degree holder in Business Administration, he began his journey as an RSS Swayamsevak and later became a State Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974. Before entering public life, he established a successful career as a garment exporter, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen.
Elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in 1998 and re-elected in 1999, Radhakrishnan served as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Textiles and was a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Undertakings and the Consultative Committee on Finance. His role in the Parliamentary Special Committee investigating the Stock Exchange Scam highlighted his commitment to transparency. In 2004, he represented India as part of a Parliamentary Delegation to the UN General Assembly and was a member of the first such delegation to Taiwan.
As State President of the BJP in Tamil Nadu from 2004 to 2007, Radhakrishnan led a remarkable 19,000 km Ratha Yatra over 93 days, advocating for critical issues such as linking Indian rivers, eradicating terrorism, implementing a uniform civil code, removing untouchability, and combating narcotic drugs. He also spearheaded two Padayatras for various causes, reflecting his dedication to grassroots mobilisation.
From 2016 to 2020, as Chairman of the Coir Board in Kochi, Radhakrishnan drove coir exports to a record Rs. 2,532 crores. His leadership extended to his role as All India In-Charge of the BJP for Kerala from 2020 to 2022. Appointed Governor of Jharkhand in February 2023, he visited all 24 districts within four months, engaging with citizens and officials. He also held additional charges as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. As Governor of Maharashtra, he travelled extensively, connecting with diverse stakeholders to address regional issues.
Radhakrishnan’s personal life reflects his multifaceted persona. Married to Sumathi R. since November 25, 1985, he is a father to a son and a daughter. An advocate for education, particularly for tribal communities, he has championed initiatives to enhance access to higher education, notably through the ‘School Connect’ program in Maharashtra, encouraging tribal youth to pursue academic excellence. A sports enthusiast, he excelled as a college champion in table tennis and participated in long-distance running, cricket, and volleyball. His global perspective is enriched by extensive travels across countries, including the USA, UK, China, and Japan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the ceremony, praised Radhakrishnan’s dedication in a post on X, stating, “A dedicated public servant, he has devoted his life to nation-building, social service, and strengthening democratic values. Wishing him a successful Vice Presidential tenure, dedicated to the service of the people.”
– global bihari bureau
