Rajendra Prasad, born on December 3, 1884, and passing away on February 28, 1963, was a distinguished figure in Indian history. He held several significant roles, including those of a politician, lawyer, journalist, and scholar. Notably, he became the inaugural President of India, serving from 1950 to 1962. His journey in the Indian National Congress commenced during the fight for independence, and he emerged as a prominent leader representing Bihar and Maharashtra. Aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, Prasad endured imprisonment by British authorities in the context of pivotal movements such as the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and the Quit India movement of 1942.
Following the 1946 elections for the constituent assembly, Prasad assumed the role of the 1st Minister of Food and Agriculture in the central government, effectively serving from 1947 to 1948. As India achieved independence in 1947, Prasad’s contributions continued to shine. He was chosen as the President of the Constituent Assembly of India, a position integral to formulating the country’s Constitution. Additionally, this assembly operated as the provisional Parliament during this transformative period.
Born into a Kayastha household in Ziradei, situated in Bihar’s Siwan district under the British Raj, Rajendra Prasad’s origins were deeply rooted. His father, Mahadev Sahai Srivastava, possessed scholarly prowess in both Sanskrit and Persian languages. A source of inspiration was his mother, Kamleshwari Devi, whose devout nature led her to regale her son with tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In his family constellation, Rajendra Prasad was the youngest, surrounded by an elder brother and three older sisters. The loss of his mother during his early years led to his elder sister assuming the responsibility of his care.
Upon completing his foundational education, he was enrolled in the Chapra District School. Remarkably, at the tender age of 12, in June 1896, he entered into matrimony with Rajavanshi Devi. Following this, he and his elder brother, Mahendra Prasad, embarked on a two-year educational journey at T.K. Ghosh’s Academy in Patna. Earning distinction, he clinched the top spot in the entrance examination for the University of Calcutta, earning him a monthly scholarship of Rs. 30.
Progressing to the Presidency College, Calcutta in 1902, he initially pursued scientific studies. By March 1904, he had completed the F.A. under the University of Calcutta, and in March 1905, he graduated with honors. His brilliance didn’t escape notice, with an examiner once remarking on his answer sheet that the “examinee is better than examiner.” Subsequently, he shifted his focus to the humanities, achieving a first-class distinction in his M.A. in Economics from the University of Calcutta by December 1907. During this phase, he shared residence with his brother at the Eden Hindu Hostel, maintaining an active role in The Dawn Society as both a dedicated scholar and a public advocate.
In an exhibition of his strong sense of familial duty and commitment to education, he declined an opportunity to join the Servants of India Society. This decision stemmed from the recent loss of his mother and the plight of his sister, who became a widow at a young age and had to return to her parents’ home. Notably, Prasad played a pivotal role in establishing the Bihari Students Conference in 1906 within the premises of Patna College. This pioneering organization bore great significance as India’s first of its kind, giving rise to notable leaders from Bihar like Anugrah Narayan Sinha and Krishna Singh. These figures would go on to play key roles in movements such as the Champaran Movement and Non-cooperation Movement.
Prasad engaged in diverse roles within the realm of education, assuming the mantle of a teacher across different institutions. Following the successful attainment of his M.A. in economics, he assumed the position of an English professor at Muzaffarpur’s Langat Singh College in Bihar, subsequently ascending to the role of principal. Yet, as time progressed, he departed from this college to embark on legal studies. This led him to the gates of Ripon College, Calcutta (now known as the Surendranath Law College). During the year 1909, while immersed in his legal studies in Kolkata, he simultaneously held the position of Professor of Economics at Calcutta City College.
In 1915, Prasad participated in the master’s in law examination held by the Department of Law at the University of Calcutta. He not only cleared the examination but also clinched a prestigious gold medal for his achievement. Subsequently, he pursued and successfully achieved his Doctorate in Law from Allahabad University. The year 1916 marked his entrance into the High Court of Bihar and Odisha, where he commenced his legal career. A year later, in 1917, he was appointed as one of the pioneering members of both the Senate and the Patna University. Simultaneously, he practiced law in the renowned silk town of Bhagalpur, situated in Bihar.
Prasad played a pivotal role in the struggle for India’s independence. His involvement with the Indian National Congress commenced during the 1906 annual session held in Calcutta, where he participated as a volunteer while pursuing studies in the city. In a formal capacity, he officially joined the Indian National Congress in 1911, coinciding with the annual session also held in Calcutta that year.
A significant moment occurred during the Lucknow Session of the Indian National Congress in 1916, where Prasad had an encounter with Mahatma Gandhi. This meeting bore particular importance, as it set the stage for their collaboration. Following this, during one of Mahatma Gandhi’s investigative missions in Champaran, he invited Prasad to join him along with his team of volunteers. The deep impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s dedication, courage, and unwavering convictions resonated with Prasad, prompting him to take decisive action.
Upon the passage of the Non-Cooperation resolution by the Indian National Congress in 1920, Prasad’s commitment was further solidified. In a momentous shift, he relinquished his lucrative legal career and his responsibilities within the university to throw his support behind the movement. This transformation was a testament to the profound influence and conviction he derived from Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.