On the 3rd of December 2022, the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, was remembered at Rashtrapati Bhavan where the incumbent President offered floral tributes on his birth anniversary. This article will delve into the life and contributions of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a pivotal figure in India’s history.
Early Life & Education
Born on 3rd December 1884 in Zeradei, Siwan, Bihar, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a son of Mahadev Sahai. His journey from his small village to becoming the First President of India is nothing short of inspiring. A brilliant student, he joined Calcutta Presidency College in 1902, earning a master’s degree in law from the University of Calcutta in 1915. He began his legal career in the Patna High Court in 1916 and completed his Doctorate in Law from Allahabad University in 1937.
Association with Gandhiji and Role in the Fight for Freedom
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s first interaction with Mahatma Gandhi was during Gandhiji’s fact-finding mission in the Chamaparan district of Bihar to address peasant grievances. This interaction significantly altered Prasad’s views, especially on caste and untouchability. The Champaran Satyagraha brought him closer to Gandhiji, o significantly altering the course of his life. Incidents like the Rowlatt Act of 1918 and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 pushed him further towards Gandhi’s philosophy.
Role in Non-cooperation Movement & Salt Satyagraha
Inspired by Gandhiji’s non-cooperation movement, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took a frontline role in mobilizing the people of Bihar. He left his law practice to start a National College near Patna in 1921. When Gandhiji launched the Salt Satyagraha in March 1930, Dr. Prasad spearheaded the movement in Bihar, leading to his imprisonment for six months.
Contribution to Indian National Congress
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s association with Indian National Congress dates back to 1911. He presided over the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress in October 1934 and was elected President for the second time after Subhash Chandra Bose’s resignation in April 1939. In 1946, he joined Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s Interim Government as the Minister of Food & Agriculture and propagated the slogan of “Grow More Food”.
Role in Constituent Assembly & Presidency
In July 1946, Dr. Prasad was elected the President of the Constituent Assembly established to frame the Constitution of India. After the ratification of the Constitution on the 26th January 1950, he was elected as India’s First President.
Awards, Recognition and Literary Contributions
After serving as President for 12 years, Dr. Prasad retired in 1962 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. He documented his life experiences and valuable insights into the pre-independence decades in several books, including Satyagraha at Champaran, India Divided, Atmakatha, Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar – Some Reminisces, and Bapu ke Kadmon Mein.
Death
Dr. Rajendra Prasad spent his last days in retirement at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. He passed away on the 28th February 1963, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire millions of Indians.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024