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Rajendra Prasad, a distinguished figure in India’s rich history, stands as a towering symbol of leadership, unwavering commitment to the cause of Indian independence, and a legacy of service to the nation. Born on December 3, 1884, and departing from this world on February 28, 1963, Rajendra Prasad’s life story unfolds as a remarkable journey of resilience and dedication. As the first President of India, he not only held a high constitutional office but also embodied the spirit of the nation’s struggle for freedom.
A lawyer, journalist, scholar, and politician, Rajendra Prasad’s contributions to India’s development and his pivotal role during the tumultuous years of the Indian independence movement have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Rajendra Prasad Early Life & Education
- Rajendra Prasad was born in the Siwan district of Bihar to his parents Mahadev Sahai Srivastava and Kamleshvari Devi. His father was a knowledgeable person, particularly skilled in Persian and Sanskrit languages. Rajendra Prasad grew up in a scholarly environment.
- He began his schooling at the Chapra district school in Pune. Later, in 1886, after marrying Rajavanshi Devi, he continued his education at T.K. Ghosh’s Academy in Patna.
- He received a scholarship of Rs.30 and enrolled at the Presidency College in Calcutta. Rajendra Prasad was known for his excellent academic performance and earned his M.A. degree in Economics from the University of Calcutta with top honors.
- While in Calcutta, he became an active public activist and became a part of the Dawn Society, which was founded by Satish Chandra Mukherjee. In 1906, he played a significant role in establishing the Bihari Students Conference, an organization aimed at preparing students for the Freedom struggle.
- This organization also included other notable members such as Anurag Narayan Sinha and Krishna Singh, who were involved in the Champaran and Non-Cooperation movements.
- In addition to his activism, Rajendra Prasad worked as a teacher and a lawyer in Calcutta and earned a doctorate from Allahabad University.
Rajendra Prasad: President of India
- On January 26, 1950, which was about two and a half years after India became independent, the Constitution of Independent India was officially approved, and Rajendra Prasad was chosen as India’s first president.
- As India’s president, he did his job without being tied to any political party, as the Constitution required.
- He represented India as an ambassador and traveled to different countries, making friends and working on diplomatic relationships.
- He was re-elected as president in both 1952 and 1957, serving two terms, which was a first for India.
- During his time as president, he allowed the public to visit the Mughal Gardens at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi for about a month each year. This became a popular tourist attraction.
- Rajendra Prasad stayed away from political matters, as his role as president required. However, he became more involved in state affairs when there were disagreements over the Hindu Code Bill.
- In 1962, after being president for twelve years, he decided to retire. He went back to Patna on May 14, 1962, and chose to stay on the campus of Bihar Vidyapeeth.
Rajendra Prasad Career
Rajendra Prasad’s career spanned from being a dedicated teacher and accomplished lawyer to becoming the first President of India, leaving a lasting legacy in the nation’s history.
Rajendra Prasad as a Teacher
Rajendra Prasad started his career as a teacher. He taught at various schools and colleges in India. He was very good at teaching and had a passion for education. He believed that education was essential for the progress of the country. Many students admired him for his knowledge and teaching skills.
Rajendra Prasad as a Lawyer
Later, Rajendra Prasad became a lawyer. Being a lawyer means he helped people with legal matters. He studied the law and became an expert in it. He used his legal knowledge to fight for justice and help those who needed legal assistance. His career as a lawyer was an important step towards his later role in politics and leadership in India’s struggle for independence.
Rajendra Prasad: Contribution to the Indian Independence Movement
- Rajendra Prasad played a big role in India’s fight for freedom. He first got involved with the Indian National Congress in 1906 while he was studying in Calcutta. He officially joined them in 1911. In 1916, he met Mahatma Gandhi during a Congress meeting in Lucknow.
- Gandhi asked him to help with a mission in Champaran, which Prasad gladly did. He was so inspired by Gandhi that in 1920, when the Indian National Congress decided to stop cooperating with the British, he quit his job as a lawyer and left his university duties to support the movement.
- He even encouraged his son to leave Western-style education and join Bihar Vidyapeeth, a school he helped start following traditional Indian values.
- During the independence movement, he worked closely with people like Rahul Sankrityayan, who admired his intelligence and considered him a guide.
- He wrote for revolutionary newspapers and collected money for them. He traveled a lot, explaining the ideas behind the independence movement.
- When floods hit Bihar and Bengal in 1914, he helped the affected people. When an earthquake hit Bihar in 1934, he raised funds to help the victims.
- He became the President of the Indian National Congress in 1934 and again in 1939 when Subhash Chandra Bose resigned.
- In 1942, when the Quit India Resolution was passed, he was arrested and sent to jail. He was released in 1945 after almost three years.
- After India got an interim government in 1946, he was in charge of the Food and Agriculture Department. He also became the President of the Constituent Assembly in 1946. In 1947, he became the Congress President for the third time.
Rajendra Prasad Death
Rajendra Prasad passed away in Patna on February 28, 1963, at the age of 78. His wife had preceded him in death just four months earlier, on September 9, 1962. They were laid to rest at Mahaprayan Ghat, which is a cremation ground in Patna, Bihar, India, where their final rites were performed.
In honor of his significant contributions and his role in shaping India’s history, Rajendra Prasad is commemorated at the Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya, a memorial museum located in Patna. This institution serves as a tribute to his life and legacy, allowing visitors to learn about his remarkable journey and the impact he had on the nation during his lifetime.
FAQs on Rajendra Prasad Biography
Who is Dr. Rajendra Prasad?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India.
What is Dr. Rajendra Prasad's Birth Date?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884.
Who is our first president of India?
Our first President of India is Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Why Rajendra Prasad was jailed?
Rajendra Prasad was jailed for his involvement in India's independence movement and his support for the Quit India Movement.
Who is Rajendra Prasad wife?
Rajendra Prasad's wife was Kamala Nehru.
