Dr. Rajendra Prasad (26 January 1950 – 13 May 1962)
Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the first president of independent India. He was the only Indian president to serve two full terms, from 1950 to 1962. As the first president, he set himself as a strong example for others to follow. A lawyer by profession, he had been an influential leader during the Indian freedom struggle.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was born in Zeradai, in Bihar on 3rd December 1884. He was very good at his studies. In 1915, he graduated with honours with a Master’s degree in law, winning a gold medal. In 1937, he completed his doctorate in law from the Allahabad University.
Rajendra Prasad joined the Indian National Congress in 1911. He was arrested for his support of the Salt Satyagraha Movement of 1931, and the Quit India Movement of 1942. In September 1946, he became the Minister for Food and Agriculture in the interim government preceding full independence. From 1946 to 1949, he presided over the Indian Constituent Assembly, and helped to shape the constitution. He retired from public life in 1962, after serving two terms as the President of India for 12 years, because of his deteriorating health. He was honoured with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award in 1962.
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