The Indian populace recently celebrated the birth anniversary of its first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, with the President of India leading the tributes. As we remember this important figure in our history, it becomes essential to respect and understand his life’s work, his achievements and contributions.
Early Life and Political Activism
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884, in Zeradei, Siwan, Bihar. With his entry into India’s political landscape, he left an indelible mark on the country’s fight for independence. His journey officially began in 1911 when he joined the Indian National Congress during its annual session in Calcutta.
His association with Mahatma Gandhi started in earnest during the Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar, 1917. The following year, Dr. Prasad expressed his strong opposition to the Rowlatt Act of 1918 and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre the next year. In response to these events, he led a non-cooperation movement in Bihar, becoming a key player in Gandhi’s larger non-cooperation movement across the subcontinent.
Participation in Freedom Struggles
Dr. Prasad played considerable roles in several significant movements. In 1930, he led the Salt Satyagraha in Bihar, which subsequently led to his imprisonment. This commitment to India’s freedom struggle didn’t waver even during the worst of times.
In 1946, as the dawn of independence drew closer, he joined the Interim Government as the Minister of Food and Agriculture. It was during this tenure that he promoted the innovative slogan of “Grow More Food,” to address the food scarcity problem in the nation.
Pioneering Presidency
With India declaring itself a republic on January 26, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad carved a place for himself in the annals of history by becoming the nation’s first President. He held this esteemed position until May 13, 1962. His continuous service for over twelve years remains unmatched, making him the longest-serving President in India’s history.
Recognition and Literary Contributions
For his unparalleled service to the nation, Dr. Prasad was honored post-presidency with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1962. In addition to his political career, Dr. Prasad was also a prolific writer. He authored noteworthy books such as “Satyagraha at Champaran,” “India Divided,” and his autobiography “Atmakatha.” These show his deep insights into the historical aspects and personal experiences during the struggle for independence.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad passed away on February 28, 1963, but his contributions and spirit continue to inspire millions of Indians to date.
Perspective on UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
A question from the 2010 UPSC Civil Services Exam asked candidates to consider two statements about Dr. Prasad’s role in the Champaran investigation:
1) Dr. Rajendra Prasad persuaded Mahatma Gandhi to come to Champaran to investigate the problem of peasants.
2) Acharya J.B. Kriplani was one of Mahatma Gandhi’s colleagues in his Champaran investigation.
The correct answer, according to the given options, was option (b) – indicating that only the second statement is accurate. This question underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of historical figures and events, especially in relation to competitive exams such as the UPSC.
