Rajendra Prasad

About

Rajendra Prasad was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, scholar, and subsequently, the first President of India, serving from 1950 to 1962. Born in Ziradei, Bihar, he joined the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement and became a major leader from the region of Bihar. An ardent supporter of Mahatma Gandhi, Prasad was imprisoned by British authorities during the Salt Satyagraha of 1931 and the Quit India movement of 1942. After the 1946 elections, Prasad served as Minister of Food and Agriculture in the interim central government. Upon independence in 1947, Prasad was elected as President of the Constituent Assembly of India, which prepared the Constitution of India and served as its provisional parliament. When India became a republic in 1950, Prasad was elected its first president. As president, Prasad established a tradition of non-partisanship and dignity for the constitutional office, setting a precedent for his successors. He is the only president to serve two full terms, holding the office for twelve years. After his presidency, he retired from public life and was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1962. He spent his final days at the Sadakat Ashram in Patna, where he passed away on February 28, 1963, leaving behind a legacy of simplicity, intellectual depth, and dedication to the nation.

Intelligence Summary