Rajendra Prasad was an Indian independence activist,lawyer, scholar and subsequently, the first president of India, in officefrom 1950 to 1962. He was an Indian political leader and lawyer by training.Prasad joined the Indian National Congress during the IndianIndependence Movement and became a major leader from the region of Bihar, Maharashtra.Upon independence in 1947, Prasad was elected as President of the ConstituentAssembly of India, which prepared the Constitution of India andserved as its provisional parliament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembers him onhis birth anniversary. Recalling his contributions Mr. Modi wrote on Twitter, “Tributesto the first President of independent India and the unique talent Bharat RatnaDr. Rajendra Prasad on his birth anniversary. He made his special contributionin the freedom struggle of the country. His life dedicated in the interest ofthe nation will always remain a source of inspiration for the countrymen.”
Here are some of the interesting factsabout Dr. Rajendra Prasad:
· Hewas raised in a landowning family of modest means; Prasad was a graduate of theCalcutta Law College.
· RajendraPrasad joined the Indian National Congress in 1911 and became a leader of theBihar and Odisha region.
· Hewas extremely influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. Following his work, Prasad went tojail during the 'Salt Satyagraha' of 1931 and the 'Quit India Movement'of 1942.
· Healso became the first Minister of Food and Agriculture in 1946 in the interimnational government.
· From1946 to 1949 he presided over the Indian Constituent Assembly andhelped to shape the constitution.
· DrRajendra Prasad was awarded the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna in 1962.
· Thegreat leader died on 28 February 1963 at the age of 78 years.