Dr. Rajendra Prasad, an Indian independence activist and the first President of India, was born on December 3, 1884, in Siwan, Bihar, India, and passed away on February 28, 1963, in Patna, Bihar, India. He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and played a vital role in the Indian independence movement.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad started his career as a teacher in Calcutta (now Kolkata). However, he was more interested in politics and joined the Indian National Congress in 1911. He participated in various movements and agitations against British rule and was imprisoned several times for his participation in these activities.
In 1920, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress, and he played a crucial role in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi. He also served as the President of the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the Indian Constitution.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India after India gained independence in 1947 and he served as the President from 1950 to 1962 and played an essential role in shaping the country’s political landscape. During his tenure as President, he emphasized the need for national unity and urged people to rise above religious and regional differences.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a great scholar and a prolific writer. He wrote several books, including ‘Satyagraha at Champaran,’ ‘India Divided,’ and ‘Atmakatha.’ He was a firm believer in the power of education and actively promoted education and literacy during his tenure as President.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a man of great integrity, honesty, and humility. He was deeply respected by people across India, and his contributions to the Indian freedom struggle and his role in shaping modern India will always be remembered.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was an extraordinary personality who dedicated his entire life to the service of his country. He was a visionary leader, a great thinker, and an inspiration to millions of people across India. His life and achievements will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a better and more prosperous India.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Early Life:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884, in the town of Ziradei in Bihar, India. His father, Mahadev Sahai, was a scholar of Sanskrit and Persian, and his mother, Kamleshwari Devi, was a religious lady who instilled in her son the importance of spirituality and morality.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the youngest of his siblings and received his primary education at home. He later joined the Chapra District School, where he excelled in academics and received a scholarship to study at the University of Calcutta.
After completing his studies, he started his career as a teacher in Calcutta. However, he was more interested in politics and joined the Indian National Congress in 1911. He participated in various movements and agitations against British rule and was imprisoned several times for his participation in these activities.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi‘s ideology and played a crucial role in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by him. He also served as the President of the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the Indian Constitution.
Despite his achievements and success, Dr. Rajendra Prasad remained a humble and down-to-earth person throughout his life. His early life experiences and upbringing instilled in him the values of simplicity, hard work, and dedication to his country, which he carried with him throughout his life.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Student Life:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a brilliant student from a young age. He received his primary education at home, where he learned Sanskrit and Hindi from his father, who was a scholar of both languages. Later, he attended the Chapra District School, where he excelled in his studies.
In 1902, Dr. Rajendra Prasad joined the Presidency College in Calcutta (now Kolkata) to pursue his higher education. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Arts in 1904 and his Master’s degree in Arts in 1907, both with first-class honors. He was also awarded a gold medal for his academic excellence.
During his time in college, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was an active participant in debates and discussions, and his oratory skills and logical reasoning earned him the nickname ‘Silver-tongued orator.’ He was deeply interested in politics and was a member of the Bengal Congress.
After completing his studies, he started his career as a teacher in Calcutta. However, he was more interested in politics and joined the Indian National Congress in 1911. He participated in various movements and agitations against British rule and was imprisoned several times for his participation in these activities.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s student life played a significant role in shaping his personality and beliefs. His exceptional academic achievements and participation in various debates and discussions honed his skills as a thinker and a leader. His interest in politics and participation in the freedom struggle strengthened his resolve to serve his country and fight for its independence.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Career:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad had a long and illustrious career in Indian politics and public service. He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and played a vital role in the Indian independence movement. Here are some of the key milestones of his career:
In 1911, Dr. Rajendra Prasad joined the Indian National Congress and participated in various movements and agitations against British rule.
In 1920, he was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress, and he played a crucial role in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi.
He was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the Indian Constitution, and served as its President from 1948 to 1950.
In 1947, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India after India gained independence. He served as the President from 1950 to 1962 and played an essential role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
During his tenure as President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad emphasized the need for national unity and urged people to rise above religious and regional differences.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a great scholar and a prolific writer. He wrote several books, including ‘Satyagraha at Champaran,’ ‘India Divided,’ and ‘Atmakatha.’
He was a firm believer in the power of education and actively promoted education and literacy during his tenure as President.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s career was marked by his unwavering commitment to the service of his country and his people. His contributions to the Indian freedom struggle and his role in shaping modern India will always be remembered.
Role in Freedom Movement:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and was one of the prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress. Here are some of his key contributions to the freedom struggle:
In 1911, Dr. Rajendra Prasad joined the Indian National Congress and participated in various movements and agitations against British rule.
He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi‘s ideology and played a crucial role in the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by him in 1920. He gave up his lucrative legal practice to join the movement and actively participated in various satyagrahas and civil disobedience movements.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a key member of the Congress Working Committee and was involved in the planning and execution of several mass movements, including the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement.
Dr. Prasad was imprisoned several times for his participation in the freedom struggle. He was incarcerated for a year in 1921, two years in 1932, and for three years during the Quit India Movement.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad also played an important role in the negotiations with the British for India’s independence. He was part of the Congress delegation that met with the British Cabinet Mission in 1946 to discuss the transfer of power.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s contributions to the Indian freedom struggle were significant, and he was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to the cause of India’s independence. His leadership, dedication, and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of Indians even today.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad As President Of India:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of independent India and served two terms as President from 1950 to 1962. He was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and played a significant role in drafting the Indian Constitution.
As President, Dr. Prasad was known for his humility, simplicity, and dedication to the service of the nation. He set a high standard for the office of the President, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity and integrity of the position.
During his tenure, Dr. Prasad faced several challenges, including the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union, the Kashmir issue, and the Indo-China border dispute. He was known for his impartiality and wisdom in dealing with these complex issues, earning him the respect and admiration of people across the political spectrum.
Dr. Prasad was also a champion of education and worked tirelessly to promote literacy and higher education in India. He believed that education was the key to social and economic development, and worked to establish several institutions of higher learning, including the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
In summary, Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s tenure as President of India was marked by his integrity, humility, and dedication to the service of the nation. He set a high standard for the office of the President and played an instrumental role in shaping the early years of independent India.
Other Positions Held By Dr. Rajendra Prasad:
- President of the Indian National Congress – Dr. Prasad served as the President of the Indian National Congress twice, in 1934 and 1939.
- Chairman of the Constituent Assembly – Dr. Prasad was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s drafting committee, which was responsible for preparing the final draft of the Indian Constitution.
- Member of the Governor-General’s Executive Council – In 1946, Dr. Prasad was appointed as a member of the Governor-General’s Executive Council.
- Minister of Food and Agriculture – In 1946, Dr. Prasad was appointed as the Minister of Food and Agriculture in the Interim Government of India.
- Member of the Bihar Legislative Council – Dr. Prasad served as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council from 1920 to 1934.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s contributions to the Indian independence movement and his leadership roles in various organizations made him a revered figure in Indian history.
Books Written By Dr. Rajendra Prasad:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was not only a prominent political figure but also a prolific writer. He authored several books on a variety of topics, including politics, religion, and social issues. Some of his notable works include:
- India Divided – This book is a reflection on the Partition of India and the communal tensions that led to it.
- At the feet of Mahatma Gandhi – This book is a collection of Dr. Prasad’s essays and speeches on Mahatma Gandhi and his teachings.
- Satyagraha at Champaran – This book is an account of Mahatma Gandhi‘s Satyagraha movement in Champaran and Dr. Prasad’s role in it.
- Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar – This book is a collection of essays on Mahatma Gandhi‘s association with Bihar and his impact on the region.
- Bapu ke Kadmon Mein – This book is a collection of Dr. Prasad’s personal reminiscences of Mahatma Gandhi.
- India and the World – This book is a collection of Dr. Prasad’s speeches and writings on India’s foreign policy and its role in the international community.
- Atmakatha – This book is Dr. Prasad’s autobiography, which provides insights into his life, his political career, and his contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
These books offer a glimpse into Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s life, his thoughts, and his vision for India. They continue to be widely read and admired by people across India and the world.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad After He Quit His Political Career:
After Dr. Rajendra Prasad completed his tenure as the President of India in 1962, he chose to retire from active politics. He spent the remaining years of his life in social and religious work, which was his long-standing passion.
Dr. Prasad was a devout Hindu and had a deep interest in spiritual matters. He spent a significant amount of time studying the scriptures and was an authority on the Hindu religion. He also founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh, an organization dedicated to the upliftment of the Dalit community.
In his later years, Dr. Prasad wrote extensively on religious and spiritual topics. He authored several books, including “Bapu Ke Aashirwad”, “Safalta ke Aadhar”, and “Mere Ashtam Ratna”.
Dr. Prasad also remained active in public life and continued to receive visitors and dignitaries at his residence. He was widely respected for his integrity, wisdom, and simplicity, and remained a source of inspiration for many.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad passed away on February 28, 1963, at the age of 78. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and his contributions to India’s freedom struggle and its early years as an independent nation remain an integral part of the country’s history.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s Death:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad passed away on February 28, 1963, at the age of 78. He was in poor health for several months prior to his death.
On the day of his death, Dr. Prasad was at his residence in Patna, Bihar. He had just finished his morning prayers and was sitting in his chair when he suddenly collapsed. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but he was already dead.
News of his death spread quickly, and people across India mourned his passing. The Indian government declared a day of national mourning, and flags were flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. His body was taken to New Delhi, where a state funeral was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace. His mortal remains were then taken to Patna, where he was cremated with full state honors.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s death was a great loss to the nation. He was widely respected for his integrity, wisdom, and humility, and his contributions to India’s freedom struggle and its early years as an independent nation remain an integral part of the country’s history.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement, and his contributions to the nation’s struggle for freedom and its early years as an independent country are significant. He was the first President of India and held several other important positions throughout his career, including President of the Constituent Assembly and Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s drafting committee. Dr. Prasad was a devout Hindu and dedicated his later years to social and religious work, including founding the Harijan Sevak Sangh. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, and his name remains synonymous with integrity, wisdom, and humility.