Dr Rajendra Prasad's birth anniversary: Everything about India's first President

Dr Rajendra Prasad Jayanti:?India commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr Rajendra Prasad on 3rd December, celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of?India’s first President. Known for his humility, wisdom, and dedication to India's freedom, Dr Rajendra Prasad’s impact went far beyond his presidency.

Early Life of Dr Rajendra Prasad

Born on 3rd December 1884 in a Chitraguptavanshi Kayastha family in Ziradei, Bihar, Dr Rajendra Prasad was deeply influenced by his family’s values. His father, Mahadev Sahai, was a scholar of Sanskrit and Persian, while his mother, Kamleshwari Devi, was a religious woman who narrated stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Prasad was the youngest among his siblings, and after his mother’s passing during his childhood, his elder sister took care of him. Despite these challenges, he excelled in academics from an early age.

Education of Dr Rajendra Prasad

Dr Rajendra Prasad's education journey began with traditional elementary schooling, followed by his enrolment at the Chhapra District School. At just 12 years old, he was married to Rajavanshi Devi. Later, he moved to T.K. Ghosh's Academy in Patna for two years, where he displayed exceptional academic abilities.

In 1902, Prasad joined Presidency College, Calcutta, initially as a science student. He earned a first-class degree in 1905 and later pursued a master’s in economics, also graduating with top honours in 1907. His teachers admired his intellect, with one examiner famously noting that “the examinee is better than the examiner.”

Dr Prasad also earned a gold medal in law and completed a doctorate in law from Allahabad University.

Career of Dr Rajendra Prasad

As a Teacher

Dr Prasad began his career as a teacher of English at Langat Singh College, Muzaffarpur, where he later became the principal. He also taught economics at Calcutta City College while pursuing his legal studies.

As a Lawyer

In 1915, Prasad earned his law degree with distinction and began practising at the High Court of Bihar and Odisha. By 1917, he became a senate member of Patna University, showcasing his commitment to education and legal excellence.

Dr Rajendra Prasad’s Role in India’s Freedom Movement

Dr Rajendra Prasad’s association with the Indian National Congress began in 1906, during its annual session in Calcutta. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi during the Champaran movement, he dedicated himself to the cause of independence.

When Gandhi called for non-cooperation in 1920, Prasad left his successful law practice and devoted himself entirely to the freedom struggle. He founded the Bihar Vidyapeeth, an educational institution promoting traditional Indian values, and actively participated in relief efforts during natural disasters like the 1934 Bihar earthquake.

Prasad also contributed to revolutionary publications such as Searchlight and Desh, raising funds and spreading awareness about the independence movement.

Dr Rajendra Prasad as India’s First President

With India’s independence in 1947, Dr Rajendra Prasad became the President of the Constituent Assembly, leading the drafting of the Indian Constitution. On 26th January 1950, when India became a republic, Prasad was unanimously elected as the first President of India.

Legacy as President

As President, Dr Rajendra Prasad upheld the values of non-partisanship and played a significant role in promoting education in India. He served two consecutive terms from 1950 to 1962, making him the longest-serving President in Indian history.

Dr Rajendra Prasad’s Life After Politics

After retiring from the presidency, Prasad left active politics but continued contributing to public welfare. He established guidelines for parliamentarians that are still respected today. Dr Rajendra Prasad passed away on 28th February 1963, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.

Insipiring quotes by Dr Rajendra Prasad

- “There is no resting place for a nation or a people on their onward march.”

-“One must learn to play one’s age.”

-“For the first time in our long and tumultuous history, we find the whole huge territory… united under the authority of a single constitution and a single union, which assumes responsibility for the care of the more than 320 million men and women who occupy it.”

-“With weapons of mass devastation at man’s disposal now, the human species itself is in grave risk of extinction.”

-“Actors can’t keep dashing around the woods forever.”

-“Nobody can push me aside.

-“We must remember all those who have given their lives in the sake of freedom.”

-“We have become so used to depending on English precedents that it seems almost sacrilegious to have a different reading, even though our situations and circumstances seem to warrant a different interpretation.”

-“In order to achieve our goals, our methods must be as clean as the ultimate result!”

-“I am certain that your personality will aid in the healing of wounded souls and the restoration of peace and harmony in an environment of distrust and confusion.”

The birth anniversary of Dr Rajendra Prasad reminds us of the life of a man who dedicated himself to the service of India. His humility, intellect, and devotion to the nation remain an inspiration for generations. From his early life and education to his role in the freedom movement and presidency, his contributions shaped modern India.

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