Rajendra Prasad

Prasad was born at Ziradei in Bihar in 1884. His parents were Mahadev Sahai and Kamleshwari Devi. His early education included instruction at home, followed by schooling in Bihar and higher education in Calcutta. He studied arts and law and initially worked as a teacher before practising as a lawyer. His marriage to Rajvanshi Devi took place while he was still a student.

Prasad practised in Calcutta and later at Patna after the High Court was established there. He became involved in Congress and worked with Gandhi during the Champaran campaign. He subsequently gave up legal practice as his involvement in the national movement grew. His public activities included education, khadi promotion and relief work after the Bihar earthquake, as well as participation in Congress campaigns against colonial rule.

Prasad served in the interim government and presided over the Constituent Assembly during the drafting of India’s Constitution. This work preceded his assumption of the presidency when India became a republic on 26 January 1950. His public career thus connected participation in the independence movement with responsibility for the institutions established at the end of colonial rule, including the Assembly and the office of President.

Prasad remained President until 13 May 1962 and served two terms in the office. After retirement he lived at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. The Bharat Ratna was conferred on him in 1962, with the official award notification dated 13 May. He died on 28 February 1963. His writings included an autobiography and works on Gandhi, Champaran, khadi and the political questions surrounding independence and Partition.