Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying heartfelt tributes to Dr Rajendra Prasad, India's inaugural President, on the occasion of his 141st birth anniversary this Wednesday. In a social media post, the Prime Minister reflected on the monumental contributions of the revered leader to the nation's freedom movement and constitutional foundation.
PM Modi's Tribute to a Stalwart's Legacy
Sharing photographs and a detailed message on platform X, PM Modi emphasized that Dr Prasad's life continues to motivate countless citizens. The Prime Minister outlined the distinguished journey from being a key figure in the fight for independence to presiding over the Constituent Assembly and finally assuming the highest constitutional office.
"From being an active participant in India’s freedom struggle, presiding over the Constituent Assembly to becoming our first President, he served our nation with unmatched dignity, dedication and clarity of purpose," PM Modi wrote. He further noted that the former President's long public career was characterized by remarkable simplicity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to national unity.
The Life and Times of Dr Rajendra Prasad
Born on December 3, 1884, in the Siwan district of Bihar, Rajendra Prasad was a brilliant scholar who held a Doctorate in Law. His life took a decisive turn in 1921 when, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he abandoned his flourishing legal practice to join the national movement for independence.
He played instrumental roles in landmark campaigns including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt Satyagraha. Following Independence, his leadership qualities led him to be elected as the President of the Constituent Assembly. He was unanimously elected as the first President of India on January 24, 1950.
Dr Prasad served as President for an unprecedented 12 years, until 1962, which remains the longest tenure for any individual in the role. In recognition of his exceptional service to the nation, he was later honored with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
An Enduring Legacy of Simplicity and Scholarship
Beyond his political life, Dr Rajendra Prasad was a prolific writer. His notable literary works include his autobiography Atmakatha (1946) and other influential books such as Satyagraha at Champaran (1922), India Divided (1946), and Bapu ke Kadmon Mein (1954), as documented by the Bihar government.
He spent his final years at the Sadaqat Ashram in Patna and passed away on February 28, 1963. The annual remembrance of his birth anniversary serves as a moment for the nation to revisit the values of dedication, integrity, and selfless service he embodied, values that Prime Minister Modi's tribute sought to underscore for contemporary and future generations.
