Context:
President of India Pays Homage to Dr Rajendra Prasad on his Birth Anniversary.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Dimensions of the Article:
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji: A Distinguished Indian Freedom Fighter and Statesman
- Books Authored by Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji: A Distinguished Indian Freedom Fighter and Statesman
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji was a prominent Indian independence activist, lawyer, scholar, and the first President of India, serving from 1950 to 1962.
- He held the distinction of being the first President of independent India, serving two terms in office from 1952 to 1962.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji was deeply influenced by the principles and beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi and became an ardent supporter of Gandhi’s ideology and philosophy.
- In 1906, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Bihari Students Conference, which took place at the Patna College hall.
- His official association with the Indian National Congress began in 1911 when he joined during the party’s annual session held in Calcutta.
- Professionally, he was a lawyer and his legal expertise was accompanied by his leadership in the Indian freedom struggle. He willingly left his legal practice to join the freedom movement led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji endured multiple imprisonments at the hands of the British colonial rulers. He was incarcerated in 1931 for his active participation in the Salt Satyagraha Movement and again in 1942 as a prominent member of the Quit India Movement.
- He passed away on February 28, 1963, after battling illness for six months. During his final days, he resided at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna.
- In recognition of his exceptional contributions to India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Ji was honored with the Bharat Ratna, the highest national award.
Books Authored by Dr. Rajendra Prasad:
- Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminiscences
- Satyagraha at Champaran
- Atmakatha (Autobiography)
- Division of India
- Since Independence