Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India was born in 1884 in Bihar. He completed his early education in his hometown and then pursued higher studies in University of Calcutta. He was a lawyer by profession. But while practicing law his life took a turn and he got involved in the freedom struggle inspired by the principles and ideas of Gandhi ji. He participated in various nationalist movements. In Champaran Satygraha of 1917 he provided legal assistance to the indigo farmers. He organised protests and public gatherings during various movements like Non-cooperation movement and civil disobedience movement. He led the Salt Satyagraha in Bihar. He was appointed as the President of the Constituent Assembly established in 1946 to frame the constitution of independent India. He headed various committees under the Constituent assembly such as Steering committee, Finance and staff committee, Committee on the Rules of procedure and Ad hoc committee on the National flag. After Independence, he became the first President of India. He served two consecutive terms in office until 1962. His contribution to literature is also exemplary. He wrote many books such as Undivided India, Satyagraha at Champaran, his Autobiography, on Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar etc. He was honoured with highest civilian awards of India - Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan for his exemplary leadership and service to the nation. He passed away in 1963 at the age of 78.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884, in Ziradei, Bihar, India. He belonged to a family of landowners. His father, Mahadev Sahai, was a scholar of Persian and Sanskrit, and his mother, Kamleshwari Devi, was a devout religious woman. He completed his early education in his hometown and later pursued higher studies at the University of Calcutta. He was excellent in academics. After completing studies, he pursued law in University of Calcutta. In 1911, he started his legal career and gained recognition as a skilled lawyer. He also started a National college in Patna in 1931 after giving up his law practice. In 1937, he completed his doctorate in law from Allahabad University. While pursuing his career as a lawyer, he got involved in the freedom struggle. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and became associated with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. He was involved in various movements of freedom struggle, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement, for which he faced imprisonment several times.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was a distinguished Indian freedom fighter, political leader, and the first President of independent India. He played a prominent role in the Indian Nationalist movement. He was elected as the President of the Constituent Assembly, overseeing the drafting of the Indian Constitution. He is also known as ‘Lion of Bihar’ or ‘Bihar Kesari’. He is also affectionately addressed as ‘Rajen Babu’.

1. Role in Indian National Congress (INC) :
   • Rajendra Prasad joined INC in his early political career, attracted by its nationalist ideals and commitment to achieving self-rule for India.
   • He held the position of President of INC multiple times. He was elected as the President of the INC in 1934, 1939, and 1947.
   • In 1934, he presided over the Bombay session of INC.
   • He was re-elected as the President of the INC in 1939 following the resignation of Subhash Chandra Bose. During this period, India was on the brink of World War II. Dr. Rajendra Prasad played a crucial role in guiding the party through these turbulent times.
   • In 1947, he was elected as the President of INC for the 3rd time. At this time, the country was on verge of getting independence. Rajendra Prasad played a crucial role in steering the party towards the goal of achieving independence and preparing for the challenges of nation-building.
   • Dr. Rajendra Prasad represented the Indian National Congress (INC) at the Round Table Conferences held in London in 1930-1932.
2. Involvement in Nationalist movements :
   • Satyagraha and Nonviolent Resistance : Rajendra Prasad was a strong believer of Gandhian principles of satyagraha and non-violent resistance. He believed in the power of moral and ethical means to get independence for the country.
   • Champaran Satyagraha :
     • It was organised by Gandhi ji in Champaran district of Bihar in 1917 to support the farmers against the oppression of British authorities.
     • The farmers in the region faced unjust treatment, including excessive taxation and forced cultivation of indigo. Through the satyagraha Gandhi ji urged the farmers to refuse to cultivate indigo and to withhold payment of unjust taxes until their demands were met.
     • As a prominent lawyer, Dr. Rajendra Prasad provided legal assistance to the indigo farmers and helped them navigate the legal complexities of their struggle. His legal expertise was invaluable in ensuring that the farmers' rights were upheld.
   • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) : Dr. Rajendra Prasad gave up his legal practice to join the Non-cooperation movement. He organized protests, encouraged boycotts of British goods, and mobilized support among the masses.
   • Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) :
     • The civil disobedience movement or Salt Satyagraha was launched by Gandhi ji in 1930. Dr. Rajendra Prasad emerged as a prominent leader in Bihar.
     • He organised protests and led marches to encourage people of Bihar to participate in the Civil disobedience movement. Under the leadership of Rajendra Prasad, the salt satyagraha was launched in Nakhas pond, Bihar.
     • He was arrested multiple times for his participation in civil disobedience campaigns and spent several months in jail.
   • Quit India Movement (1942) : Rajendra Prasad played a crucial role in the Quit India movement. He organised the public gatherings and urged people to join the movement. His leadership during this period inspired thousands of Indians to join the fight for independence.
3. Social reform :
   • Rajendra Prasad also had a significant contribution in bringing social reforms in India. He worked towards uplifting the marginalized sections of society, including peasants, workers, and women.
   • In January 1934, even the British government released him from jail to enable him to lead the Relief committee to help the victims of Earthquake which had devastated Bihar at that time.
   • He advocated for the eradication of untouchability and supported initiatives aimed at integrating marginalised castes into mainstream society.
   • He also focused on rural development initiatives to improve the lives of farmers.

• Constituent assembly was established in 1946 to frame the constitution for independent India.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the President of the Constituent Assembly from its inception in December 1946 until the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950. As the President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad chaired numerous sessions of the Constituent Assembly, ensuring orderly debates, facilitating discussions, and resolving procedural issues.
• He also headed various committees constituted under the constituent assembly.
  • Steering committee
  • Finance and staff committee
  • Committee on the Rules of procedure
  • Ad hoc committee on the National flag
• In 1946, he also joined the interim government of Jawahar Lal Nehru as the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
• He also served in the Partition council setup under the Chairmanship of Lord Mountbatten alongwith Sardar Patel.

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of independent India in 1950. He played an important role in shaping the country's early years as a republic. He served two consecutive terms in office until 1962.
• He acted as a guardian of the constitution after independence ensuring the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
• After independence, Rajendra Prasad advocated for education and literacy. He supported initiatives aimed at promoting universal primary education and adult literacy.
• He played a significant role in shaping India's foreign policy and advocating for the principles of peace, justice, and equality on the global stage. He supported the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and worked towards building alliances with other nonaligned countries to promote world peace.

• India Divided : The book was published in 1946 and it is about the issues of communalism and partition in India.
• Satyagraha at Champaran : The book was published in 1922 and in it Rajendra Prasad shares his experiences during the Champaran Satyagraha.
• Autobiography : In this book, Dr. Prasad provides a detailed account of his life journey.
• Bapu ke Kadmon Mein (In the Footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi) : The book was written in 1948 and it explores the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Through this book Rajendra Prasad pays his tribute to Gandhi ji for his contribution to India’s independence.
• Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar : In this book, Dr. Rajendra Prasad examines Mahatma Gandhi's impact on Bihar. Gandhi ji’s visits to Bihar and his interactions with the people there are mentioned in the book.

• Bharat Ratna : In 1962, Rajendra Prasad was honored with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India for his exemplary leadership, service to the nation, and contributions to the Indian independence movement.
• Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI) : In 1957, Rajendra Prasad received this honor from the British government. This honor recognized his distinguished service and leadership as the President of India.
• Padma Vibhushan : In 1969, he was posthumously honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India for his exceptional contributions to the nation.

To honour the immense contributions of Dr. Rajendra Prasad to the country, several educations institutions after him. Some of the prominent ones are -

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) in Pusa, Bihar : It was originally established as the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute in 1905 but in 1970 it was renamed as Rajendra Agricultural University. In 2016, it was given the status of Central University and was again renamed as RPCAU.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh : It was established in 1996.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad Institute of Communication and Management in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Rajendra Prasad Academy of Management and Technology in Uttar Pradesh.

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad passed away on 28th February, 1963, at the age of 78 in Patna, Bihar due to various health issues.
• He spent his last months at the Sadakat Ashram in Patna, Bihar.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India left an indelible mark on the nation's history with his unwavering commitment and service to the nation. As the first President of India, he embodied the highest ideals of statesmanship and public service. His legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the values that form the bedrock of our democracy and the enduring power of leadership driven by compassion and conviction.