Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of independent India. He was one of the foremost disciples of Gandhiji and played a vital role in the Indian freedom struggle. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884, at Ziradei village in the Siwan district of Bihar. His father's name was Mahadev Sahay and his mother's name was Kamleshwari Devi. Mahadev Sahay was a great scholar of Persian and Sanskrit languages. At the age of five, Rajendra Prasad started learning the Persian language.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a brilliant student. He stood first in the entrance examination to the University of Calcutta and was awarded a monthly scholarship of Rs.30. He joined the famous Calcutta's 'Presidency College' in 1902. Afterward, he switched from Science to Arts and completed his post-graduation in Law. Meanwhile, in 1905, Rajendra Prasad joined the 'Swadeshi Movement. He also joined the 'Dawn Society run by Satish Chandra Mukherjee and Sister Nivedita.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was highly influenced by the ideals of Gandhiji. While Gandhiji was on a mission in the Champaran district of Bihar, he asked Rajendra Prasad to come to Champaran with his supporters. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was deeply overwhelmed by the devotion, confidence, and courage that Gandhiji possessed. Gandhiji's influence changed Dr. Rajendra Prasad's attitude. He wanted to simplify his life and reduce the number of servants he had to one. He started doing his daily household tasks such as sweeping the floor, washing the utensils, everyday jobs, on his own.

After coming in contact with Gandhiji, Dr. Rajendra

Prasad immersed himself fully into the freedom struggle. He played an active role during the 'Non-Cooperation Movement'. In 1930, he was arrested while participating in the 'Salt Satyagraha. When he was in jail on 15 January 1934, an earthquake struck Bihar. Two days later, he was released from jail. He immediately took the job of raising funds and organizing aids. His fund collected over Rs.3.8 million and the way the relief was organized, adequately confirmed the administrative intelligence of Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Soon after this, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the President of the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress. He was once again elected as Congress President in 1939.

In July 1946, when the Constituent Assembly was established to frame the Constitution of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected its President. After two and a half years following independence, on January 26, 1950, the Constitution of independent India was framed and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as India's first President. As a President, he set up a strong example for others to follow. During his term as President, he visited many countries on missions of kindness and established fresh relationships.

In 1962, after 12 years of Presidentship, he retired and was consequently awarded the 'Bharat Ratna', the nation's highest civilian award.

He spent the final few months of his life at the Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. On February 28, 1963, he passed away.