From Advocate to Activist: Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s Early Life and Contributions to India

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India and played a crucial role in shaping the newly independent nation. He was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and was known for his commitment to public service.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, born on 3 December 2024, was a freedom fighter, lawyer and politician who had a significant impact on the country during its formative years.

He became India’s first president on January 26, 1950 and served two terms, setting a precedent for the country’s future leaders.

He held this position until his retirement on May 13, 1962, with a term of approximately 12 years, which remains the longest presidential term in Indian history.

Who is Rajendra Prasad?

Dr. Rajendra Prasad (December 3, 1884 – February 28, 1963) was a key figure in Indian history, serving as the first President of India from 1950 to 1962. His contribution as a freedom fighter, lawyer and politician had a significant impact on India in its history. Formative period.

Related stories

early life

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884 in the family of Chitraguptavanshi Kayastha in Ziradei, Bihar. His father Mahadev Sahai was a learned scholar, fluent in Sanskrit and Persian.

His mother Kamleshwari Devi was a devout religious woman who often told him stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Dr. Prasad is the youngest of five siblings, with one brother and three sisters. Unfortunately, he lost his mother in childhood, after which his sister stepped in to care for him.

educate

After completing his traditional primary education, Dr. Rajendra Prasad attended Chhapra District School.

In June 1896, at the age of 12, he married Rajavanshi Devi. Later, he and his elder brother Mahendra Prasad Srivastava enrolled in TK Ghosh College in Patna and studied there for two years.

Prasad excelled academically and topped the Calcutta University Entrance Examination and received a monthly scholarship of Rs. 30.

Prasad joined Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1902, initially studying science. In March 1904, he passed FA from Calcutta University and graduated with First Class Honors in March 1905.

He later turned his attention to art, completing a first-class master’s degree in economics in December 1907.

While in Calcutta, he stayed with his brother at the Eden India Hotel and was active in the Dawn Society. Despite being invited to join the Indian Servants’ Association, Prasad prioritized family responsibilities and education.

This decision was influenced by personal tragedies, including the death of his mother and the return of his sister as a young widow at the age of 19.

He played a key role in the establishment of the Bihari Students’ Conference at Patna College Hall in 1906, marking the establishment of the first such organization in India.

This conference groomed future leaders of Bihar such as Anugrah Narayan Sinha and Krishna Singh, who later founded the Champaran movement and made significant contributions to the non-cooperation movement.

role in the independence movement

Prasad joined the Indian National Congress in 1911 and became an influential leader in Bihar. In 1920, he resigned from his legal career to fully participate in the non-cooperation movement against British rule.

His activism resulted in multiple jail terms, particularly during the Salt Satyagraha Movement in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942. He also played a vital role in journalism, writing for nationalist publications and advocating for Hindi as the national language.

Contributions to the Constitution

After India’s independence in 1947, Prasad was elected as the chairman of the Constituent Assembly and drafted the Indian Constitution.

His leadership was instrumental in formulating the documents that established India as a sovereign republic. On January 26, 1950, he was elected as the first President of India and held the position for more than 12 years, making him the longest-serving president to date.

Presidency

As president, Prasad remained nonpartisan and emphasized independence from political influence. In 1957, he was re-elected, becoming the only president to serve two consecutive terms.

His presidency was marked by major diplomatic efforts and public engagement, including opening the Presidential Palace’s Mughal Gardens to the public for the first time.

heritage

Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to social welfare, education and democratic values.

He died on February 28, 1963, leaving a rich legacy that inspired future generations. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

aspect

detail

Name

Dr. Rajendra Prasad

born

December 3, 1884, Ziradei, Bihar

die

February 28, 1963, 78 years old

parents

  • Father: Mahadev Sahai (Sanskrit and Persian scholar)
  • Mother: Kamleshwari Devi

educate

  • traditional basic education
  • Studied at Presidency College, Kolkata
  • M.A. Economics, University of Calcutta (1907, First Division)
  • LL.M., University of Calcutta (1915)
  • J.D., University of Allahabad

spouse

Rajavansh Devi

Profession

  • Teacher: Professor, Ranyue Singh College and Calcutta City College
  • Advocate: Practicing before Bihar and Orissa High Courts
  • Professor of Economics
  • Founding member of Patna University Senate

free movement role

  • Joined the Indian National Congress in 1911
  • Key role in Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
  • Boycott of Western education during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)
  • Played an active role in the Quit India Movement (1942)

hold a position

  • President of the Constitutional Convention (1946-1950)
  • Minister of Food and Agriculture (1947-1948)
  • Chairman of the Indian National Congress (1934, 1939, 1947)
  • The first President of India (1950-1962)

Highlights of the presidency

  • The first President of India (1950-1962)
  • Re-elected for two consecutive terms (1952, 1957)
  • Advocate for education reform
  • As an independent, nonpartisan head of state

Main contributions

  • Chaired the Constituent Assembly and helped formulate the Indian Constitution
  • Relief efforts during the 1934 Bihar earthquake and the 1935 Quetta earthquake
  • Bihar Central Relief Commission established

Awards and Honors

Bharat Ratna(1962)

books written

    • Champaran’s Satyagraha (1922)
    • India Division (1946)
    • atma kata (1946, autobiography)
    • Ssince independence (1960)
    • Bapke Kadmon Main (1954)
  • Bharatiya Shiksha

heritage

  • Rajendra Smriti Sangrahalaya in Patna is dedicated to him
  • documentary subject Babu Rajendra Prasad (1980)

What was Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s major contribution to Indian independence?

Dr. Rajendra Prasad made significant contributions to the Indian independence movement through various roles and initiatives. Here are some of his major contributions:

early involvement

  • Joining the Indian National Congress: Prasad joined the Indian National Congress in 1906 and formally joined it in 1911. He soon became a prominent leader, especially from Bihar.
  • Influence of Mahatma Gandhi: He was deeply inspired by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and became a loyal follower. He was actively involved in important movements such as the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, which provided legal aid to indigo farmers facing exploitation by British planters.

key action

  • Non-cooperation Movement: In 1920, after Congress passed the non-cooperation resolution, Prasad gave up his career as a lawyer and devoted himself to the freedom struggle. He organized protests and public rallies to mobilize support for the movement.
  • Salt Satyagraha: Prasad played a crucial role in the Salt Satyagraha of 1930, leading the movement in Bihar and facing imprisonment for his activism.
  • Quit India Movement: He was arrested during the Quit India Movement in 1942 and spent nearly three years in jail, highlighting his commitment to Indian independence.

leadership role

  • Chairman of the Indian National Congress: Prasad served as Chairman of the Indian National Congress three times (1934, 1939 and 1947), leading the party through the critical stages of the independence struggle.
  • Constituent Assembly: After India’s independence in 1947, he was elected as the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and played a vital role in the drafting process of the Indian Constitution. His leadership helped shape the legal framework of modern India.

Rajendra Prasad quotes

  • “A nation is not made of bricks and mortar, but of the character of its people.”
  • “Democracy is more than a form of government; it is a way of life.”
  • “Leadership should stem from an understanding of the needs of those whom it affects.”
  • “The progress of a country depends on the moral strength of its people.”
  • “Education is the foundation for building a nation’s future.”
  • “The President of India is above politics and a symbol of national unity.”
  • “True happiness lies in selfless service to one’s country.”
  • “The greatness of a country lies not in its size but in the strength of its values.”
  • “Every citizen has a role to play in nation-building. Unity is our strength.”
  • “The Constitution is a living document; its strength lies in its ability to adapt to the changing times.”
  • “India’s diversity is its strength. Our unity in diversity makes us a great nation.”
  • “Tolerance is the cornerstone of our civilization. It promotes harmony.”
  • “India’s destiny lies in its villages. When the countryside revitalizes, the country will prosper.”
  • “Freedom is not just a right, it is a responsibility to the country.”
  • “Justice, freedom and equality cannot be just words; they should be embodied in the life of every Indian.”
  • “Young people are the architects of tomorrow. Educate them, empower them, inspire them.”
  • “A democracy succeeds because its citizens are committed to upholding its principles.”
  • “The ideal leader is one who works selflessly for the welfare of his people.”
  • “Sacrifice is the essence of freedom. It requires courage, perseverance and a sense of purpose.”
  • “When the people of India put character and integrity above all else, India’s future will be secure.”

Also Read | List of all Presidents of India from 1950 to 2024