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Dr Rajendra Prasad, born on December 3, 1884, was India’s first President and a key figure in shaping the Constitution, guiding nation’s early years and leaving a lasting legacy.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the first President of India from January 26, 1950, to May 13, 1962.
Rajendra Prasad Birth Anniversary 2025: India celebrates Rajendra Prasad Jayanti on December 3 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India and a towering figure of the country’s political history. A distinguished leader, lawyer, scholar and freedom fighter, Dr. Prasad played a crucial role in framing the Constitution, shaping India’s democracy and guiding the nation during its formative years.
Born on this day in 1884 in Ziradei, Bihar, Dr. Rajendra Prasad emerged as a prominent voice in the Indian National Congress during the independence movement. A brilliant student, Rajendra Prasad studied at the University of Calcutta and began his career as a lawyer, earning acclaim for his sharp legal mind.
When India became a republic in 1950, he was unanimously elected President of the Constituent Assembly. Dr. Prasad served as the first President of India from January 26, 1950, to May 13, 1962. Known for his humility, farsightedness, and integrity, he left an indelible mark on Indian politics and governance.
After retiring from the presidency, he withdrew from active politics and spent his later years at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. He passed away on February 28, 1963.
Interesting Facts About Dr Rajendra Prasad
- At the age of 5, Rajendra Prasad was taught by a Maulavi Muslim Scholar, because his father wanted him to learn Persian, Hindi and arithmetic.
- He remains the only President of India to serve two full terms, spanning over nearly 12 years in office.
- Being an activist of the Independence movement, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was imprisoned by the British authorities during the Salt Satyagraha in 1931 and the Quit India Movement in 1942.
- After completing his presidential tenure, he resigned from the National Congress and set new guidelines for parliamentarians that are followed even today.
- Deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he contributed significantly to the drafting of the Indian Constitution.
- He was a professor of English at a college in Bihar, but later he moved on to pursue a career in law. While studying, he taught Economics at a college in Kolkata.
- Prasad was also awarded the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, in 1962.
- When an earthquake affected Bihar in 1934, Prasad was in jail. He was released two days later to lead relief efforts and established the Bihar Central Relief Committee.
- During the Independence Movement, he wrote articles for revolutionary publications Searchlight and Desh, and helped raise funds to sustain them.
- A prolific writer, his notable works include India Divided, Words of Freedom, Ideas of a Nation: Rajendra Prasad, and At the Feet of Mahatma Gandhi.
About the Author
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A…Read More
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