Modern History - All lessons
Rajendra Prasad: A Leader of the Indian Nationalist Movement
1. Leader and Constitution Architect
- Rajendra Prasad was a prominent figure in the Indian Nationalist Movement and played a significant role in shaping the Indian Constitution.
2. First President of the Republic of India
- He had the honor of being elected as the first President of the Republic of India.
3. Early Association with Indian National Congress
- In 1911, while practicing law in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Rajendra Prasad joined the Indian National Congress Party and became a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
4. Champaran Movement
- Mahatma Gandhi invited Rajendra Prasad to join other volunteers and Congress supporters in visiting Champaran during the Champaran movement.
- Initially, Rajendra Prasad was not impressed by Gandhi's appearance and conversation but was deeply moved by Gandhi's unwavering dedication, conviction, and courage.
5. Boycotting Western Education
- Responding to Mahatma Gandhi's call to boycott Western education, Rajendra Prasad encouraged his son, Mrityunjaya Prasad, a brilliant student, to leave university and enroll in Bihar Vidyapeeth.
6. Writing for Magazines
- Rajendra Prasad contributed to magazines like "Searchlight" and "Desh," sharing his thoughts and ideas.
7. Presidency of the Bombay Session
- He was elected as the President of the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress Party in October 1934.
8. Constituent Assembly and First President of India
- In July 1946, when the Constituent Assembly was established to draft the Constitution of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was chosen as its President.
- Ultimately, he was also elected as the first President of the Republic of India.
9. Bharat Ratna Recipient
- In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor.
10. Passing Away
- After a brief illness, Rajendra Prasad passed away on February 28, 1963.
Rajendra Prasad's legacy lives on as a leader, constitutional architect, and the first President of independent India.