Dr Rajendra Prasad 1884-1963, Facts, History and Contribution

Dr Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884, in Zeradei, Siwan, Bihar, Dr  Rajendra Prasad was the youngest in a large joint family. He shared a deep bond with his mother and elder brother Mahendra. Growing up in a diverse community, he actively participated in sports like “Kabaddi” with friends from both Hindu and Muslim backgrounds, promoting unity and understanding. Following the traditions of his village and family, he entered into marriage with Rajvanshi Devi at the tender age of 12.

A brilliant student, Rajendra Prasad excelled in academics, securing the top position in the entrance examination for the University of Calcutta. His outstanding performance earned him a monthly scholarship of Rs.30. Despite an invitation from Gopal Krishna Gokhale to join the Servants of India Society, he prioritized his family and education, leading him to decline the offer. 

 Rajendra Prasad’s Education

• Enrolled at Presidency College in Calcutta as a science undergraduate in 1902
• Passed the F.A. examination at the University of Calcutta in March 1904
• Graduated with a first division from the University of Calcutta in March 1905
• Pursued the study of arts and obtained a first division M.A. in Economics from the University of Calcutta in December 1907
• Shared a room with his brother Mahendra Prasad at the Eden Hindu Hostel
• Actively involved in The Dawn Society and engaged in civic activism
• Instrumental in founding the Bihari Students Conference, India’s first organization of its kind, at the hall of Patna College in 1906
• Passed the Masters of Law examination at the University of Calcutta’s Department of Law in 1915 and received a gold medal
• Earned a doctorate in law from Allahabad University in 1937.

Rajendra Prasad Career as a Lawyer

• Appointed to the High Court of Bihar and Odisha in 1916, starting his career as a lawyer in the judicial system.
• Elected as one of the first members of the Patna University Senate and Syndicate in 1917, showcasing his involvement in educational governance.
• Practiced law in Bhagalpur, a prominent silk city in Bihar, further establishing his legal expertise and reputation.
• Developed a successful career as a lawyer, gaining experience and knowledge in the legal field.
• His work as a lawyer allowed him to interact with people from different walks of life and understand their struggles and aspirations.
• Through his legal practice, he contributed to the justice system and the resolution of various legal issues.
• His experience as a lawyer equipped him with valuable skills and insights that would later prove beneficial in his role as a political leader and statesman.
• The foundation of his legal career laid the groundwork for his future contributions to the Indian independence movement and his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Rajendra Prasad Involvement in the Indian Independence Movement

• Became involved with the Indian National Congress during the 1906 annual session as a volunteer while studying in Calcutta.
• Officially joined the Indian National Congress in 1911 during the annual session held in Calcutta.
• Met Mahatma Gandhi at the Indian National Congress’s Lucknow Session in 1916.
• Accompanied Mahatma Gandhi on a fact-finding mission in Champaran, which left a lasting impact on him.
• Left his lucrative legal profession and university duties to support the non-cooperation movement after the Indian National Congress passed the motion in 1920.
• Instructed his son to drop out of school and enroll in Bihar Vidyapeeth following Gandhi’s call for a boycott of Western educational institutions.
• Elected President of the Indian National Congress in October 1934 during the Bombay session.
• Re-elected as President when Subhash Chandra Bose resigned in 1939.
• Arrested and imprisoned in Bankipur Central Jail in Patna’s Sadaqat Ashram following the Quit India Resolution passed by the Congress in August 1942.
• Released from prison on June 15, 1945, after nearly three years of incarceration.
• Assigned the Food and Agriculture Department after the establishment of the Interim Government of 12 nominated ministers led by Jawaharlal Nehru on September 2, 1946.
• Elected President of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, 1946.
• Became Congress President for the third time on November 17, 1947, following J. B. Kripalani’s resignation.

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Rajendra Prasad President of India

• January 26, 1950: Rajendra Prasad elected as the first President of independent India after the ratification of the Constitution.
• Acted independently of any political party as mandated by the Constitution, maintaining a non-partisan role.
• Served as India’s ambassador, undertaking extensive international travel to establish diplomatic relations with foreign countries.
• Re-elected for two consecutive terms in 1952 and 1957, becoming India’s first President to serve two terms.
• During his presidency, the Mughal Gardens at the Rashtrapati Bhavan were opened to the public for a month, becoming a popular tourist attraction.
• Operated independently from politics, fulfilling the constitutional duties and responsibilities of the President.
• Increasingly involved in state affairs, particularly during the controversy surrounding the enactment of the Hindu Code Bill.
• Announced retirement from the presidency in 1962, after completing twelve years in office.
• Returned to Patna on May 14, 1962, after relinquishing the presidency, choosing to reside on the Bihar Vidyapeeth campus.

Death of Rajendra Prasad

Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, passed away on February 28, 1963, in Patna at the age of 78, just four months after the demise of his wife on September 9, 1962. He was laid to rest at Mahaprayan Ghat in Patna, Bihar. His contributions and legacy are commemorated at the Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya in Patna, a museum that honors his life and achievements. Rajendra Prasad’s remarkable journey as a statesman, scholar, and leader continues to inspire generations and holds a significant place in India’s history.

Rajendra Prasad Awards and Scholarly Details

• Rajendra Prasad was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award, in 1962.
• He was a scholar who wrote eight books during his lifetime.

Some of his notable works include:

• • Satyagraha at Champaran in 1922.
  • Division of India in 1946.
  • Atmakatha, an autobiography of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, written during a three-year prison term in Bankipur Jail.
  • Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminiscences in 1949.
  • Bapu Ke Kadmon Mein in 1954.
  • Since Independence in 1960.
  • Bharatiya Shiksha.
  • At the Feet of Mahatma Gandhi.

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