Rajendra Prasad, Lawyer, Freedom Fighter, First President of India
Lawyer, Freedom Fighter, First President of India

Rajendra Prasad

Born 3 December 1884 · Bihar — Died 28 February 1963

Served as the first President of India from 1950 to 1962 for two terms.

Rajendra Prasad was an Indian politician, lawyer, journalist and scholar who served as the first president of India from 1950 to 1962 for two terms. He joined the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement and became a major leader from the region of Bihar. A supporter of Mahatma Gandhi, Prasad was imprisoned by British authorities during the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and the Quit India movement of 1942. After the constituent assembly 1946 elections, Prasad served as 1st Minister of Food and Agriculture in the central government from 1947 to 1948.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Rajendra Prasad’s examiner once wrote on his economics answer sheet that the "examinee is better than examiner," highlighting his early intellectual promise.

The Story

1
In 1902, Rajendra Prasad secured first place in the University of Calcutta entrance exam, earning a Rs. 30 monthly scholarship that supported his studies at Presidency College, Calcutta.
2
🌾 In 1947, after the Constituent Assembly elections, Prasad became the first Minister of Food and Agriculture, navigating post-independence food crises during a turbulent transition.
3🚩 Imprisoned during the 1930 Salt Satyagraha and again in 1942's Quit India movement, he endured British jails, standing alongside Gandhi as a prominent Bihar leader.
4🎓 Prasad’s academic excellence earned him a first division M.A. in Economics from the University of Calcutta in 1907, with an examiner noting he was "better than the examiner."

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Bharat Ratna

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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At age 12, in June 1896, Rajendra Prasad was married to Rajavanshi Devi, reflecting the social customs of his time in Bihar.

🖼️

Through the Years

4 photographs from the archives
Dr. Rajendra Prasad with nationalist Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha during 1917 Champaran Satyagraha.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad with nationalist Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha during 1917 Champaran Satyagraha.
1917
Dr. Rajendra Prasad addressing the midnight session of Parliament during Assumption of Power in 1950.
President Dr. Rajendra Prasad administering oath of office and secrecy to Raj Bahadur in 1950.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad with Dr. A.N. Khosla in a formal setting.

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Ziradei, Bihar
Rajendra Prasad was born into a Kayastha family in Ziradei, Bengal Presidency (now Bihar), son of Mahadev Sahai, a scholar of Sanskrit and Persian.
1884
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Other
Married Rajavanshi Devi
At the age of 12, Rajendra Prasad married Rajavanshi Devi, reflecting early marriage customs in his region.
1896
📚
Education
Completed M.A. in Economics
Graduated with first division from University of Calcutta, impressing examiners with his intellect.
1907
⚡
Career
Imprisoned during Salt Satyagraha
Arrested by British authorities for participating in Gandhi-led civil disobedience in Bihar.
1930
⚡
Career
Minister of Food and Agriculture
Appointed first Minister of Food and Agriculture in independent India, managing critical food supply challenges.
1947
⚡
Career
Elected First President of India
Chosen by Constituent Assembly, Prasad took office as India became a republic, serving as head of state.
1950
⚡
Career
Completed Presidential Tenure
Stepped down after nearly 12 years in office, setting conduct guidelines for parliamentarians.
1962
🕊️
Death
Passed Away
Died at age 78, closing the chapter on a long public life intertwined with India's independence and republic formation.
1963
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Rajendra Prasad was imprisoned twice during major civil disobedience movements: the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He served as the only president of India to hold two full terms, spanning nearly 12 years between 1950 and 1962.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Prasad’s mother died during his childhood, and his elder sister took over his upbringing, a detail that shaped his early family life in Bihar.

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— Rajendra Prasad

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Dr. Rajendra Prasad | First President | एकता और एकजुटता
More from this archive
Dr. Rajendra Prasad | First President | एकता और एकजुटता
01
Dr. Rajendra Prasad | First President | एकता और एकजुटता
Iconic Speeches, Ft. Dr Rajendra Prasad
02
Iconic Speeches, Ft. Dr Rajendra Prasad
Dr. Rajendra Prasad | First President | आध्यात्मिकता सबसे ऊपर है
03
Dr. Rajendra Prasad | First President | आध्यात्मिकता सबसे ऊपर है

🌱 What changed because of them

Rajendra Prasad’s presidency established the archetype of a politically neutral and dignified head of state in India, reinforcing the separation of the presidency from party politics. His tenure also influenced parliamentary ethics through guidelines he set after leaving office, impacting legislative conduct for decades. Additionally, his role as President of the Constituent Assembly helped steer the drafting and adoption of the Indian Constitution.

💬 Social Buzz

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