This day in history marks the passing of an important figure in Indian history, Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, who left us on 28 February 1963 in Patna.
Let's reminisce about the life and contributions of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a stalwart of the Indian National Movement, a valuable resource for those preparing for the
IAS exam
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The Life and Times of Dr Rajendra Prasad
Born in Zeradai, District Siwan in Bihar on 3 December 1884, Rajendra Prasad was a scholar and an activist from a young age.
He began his educational journey at home, later joining the Chapra District School. He went on to study at the University of Calcutta on a scholarship, completing his MA in Economics in 1907.
After obtaining his MA, Prasad pursued teaching and later, a law degree. He was awarded a doctorate in law from Patna University and began his legal career in the Patna High Court in 1916.
Prasad's journey into the freedom movement began during his student days when he volunteered at an
Indian National Congress session
in 1906.
After meeting Mahatma Gandhi, Prasad left his legal career to fully participate in the freedom movement. He played an active role in the non-cooperation movement in 1920.
Despite being imprisoned during the 1934
earthquake
in Bihar, Prasad coordinated relief work from jail. He was later released and formed the Bihar Central Relief Committee.
He served as the Congress president twice, in 1934 and 1939.
In 1946, Prasad was appointed in charge of the Food and Agriculture Department in Jawaharlal Nehru's Interim Government.
Prasad was elected as the Constituent Assembly’s President in December 1946.
Following the ratification of the
Constitution of India
, Prasad was chosen as India’s first President.
Prasad served as president for 12 years until 1962, making him the longest-serving president to this day.
In 1962, Prasad retired from politics and public life, returning to Patna to spend his retirement.
Prasad was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1962.
Prasad passed away in 1963 at the Sadaqat Ashram in Patna at the age of 78.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s Literary Contributions
Below are some of the notable books penned by Dr. Rajendra Prasad:
Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminiscences
Satyagraha at Champaran
Atmakatha
Division of India
Since Independence
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Dr Rajendra Prasad passed away on 28 February 1963.
When was Dr Rajendra Prasad born?
Dr Rajendra Prasad was born on 3 December 1884.
What were the positions held by Dr Rajendra Prasad?
Dr Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India and also served as the Congress president in 1934 and 1939. He was elected as the Constituent Assembly’s President in December 1946.
What were some of the literary works of Dr. Rajendra Prasad?
Some of the books written by Dr. Rajendra Prasad include 'Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminiscences', 'Satyagraha at Champaran', 'Atmakatha', 'Division of India', and 'Since Independence'.
What is Dr. Rajendra Prasad's legacy in the Indian National Movement?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad played a significant role in the Indian National Movement. He was deeply involved in the freedom struggle, participated in the non-cooperation movement in 1920, spent almost 3 years in jail after the Quit India Movement and was part of the Interim Government in 1946.