Rajendra Prasad

Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, was born on December 3, 1884, in Zeradei, Bihar. A brilliant academic, he completed his M.A. and Law degree from the University of Calcutta. His early career as a lawyer at the Calcutta High Court was successful, but the influence of the Swadeshi movement and the Champaran Satyagraha steered him permanently toward active politics and the Indian National Congress.

Role in Nationalist Movements

Prasad was a dedicated lieutenant of Mahatma Gandhi. His approach combined deep Gandhian philosophy with exceptional organizational skills.

• Champaran Satyagraha (1917): He was a key associate of Gandhi in this first civil disobedience movement against the indigo plantation system in Bihar.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): He gave up his lucrative legal practice to join the movement, focusing on the promotion of Khadi and the establishment of national educational institutions.
• Salt Satyagraha (1930): He led the movement in Bihar, organizing local volunteers and facing imprisonment for his active participation.
• Quit India Movement (1942): He was arrested on August 9, 1942, and remained incarcerated at the Bankipur Central Jail until 1945.

Organizational Leadership and Congress Presidencies

Prasad’s hallmark was his ability to hold the Congress party together during turbulent periods through moderation and consensus-building.

• Congress Presidency: He served as the President of the Indian National Congress on three separate occasions:
  • Bombay Session (1934): Assumed leadership after the resignation of Nellie Sengupta.
  • Tripuri Session (1939): Took charge following the resignation of Subhas Chandra Bose.
  • Post-Independence (1947): Served as the President of the Congress after J.B. Kripalani resigned.
• Constituent Assembly: He was elected as the Permanent President of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, 1946. His leadership was crucial in navigating the diverse political opinions during the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

Post-Independence Contributions

Following independence, he transitioned from a revolutionary leader to a foundational statesman for the new republic.

• Interim Government: He served as the Minister of Food and Agriculture in the interim government established in 1946.
• Presidency: He was elected as the first President of India in 1950 and served two full terms until 1962. He remains the only President to have served two full consecutive terms.
• Institutional Development: As President, he maintained a dignified distance from active partisan politics, establishing conventions that defined the role of the Head of State under the parliamentary system.

Key Historical Contributions and Facts

Trivia and Legacy

• Desh Ratna: He was affectionately called ‘Desh Ratna’ (Jewel of the Nation) and ‘Rajendra Babu’.
• Educational Contribution: He was instrumental in establishing the Bihar Vidyapith, which became a hub for nationalist education.
• Literary Works: His autobiography, Atmakatha, written while he was in prison, remains a vital source for understanding the nationalist movement in Bihar.
• Principles: He was a staunch supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity and secularism, often acting as a bridge between conflicting factions within the Congress party.
• Death: He passed away on February 28, 1963, at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna, his base of operations for several decades.

Philosophical Outlook

Unlike some of his contemporaries who leaned toward radical socialism, Rajendra Prasad remained deeply rooted in traditional Indian values mixed with Gandhian reformism. He emphasized the importance of the agrarian economy, the development of rural industries, and the preservation of India’s cultural heritage. His tenure as President was characterized by a focus on the dignity of the office and strict adherence to constitutional morality.