# Rajendra Prasad > Indian statesman, lawyer and writer (1884–1963); first President of India **Wikidata**: [Q197736](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q197736) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajendra_Prasad) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rajendra-prasad ## Summary Rajendra Prasad was an Indian lawyer, politician, and academic who became the first President of the Republic of India. He played a pivotal role in India's independence movement and served as the ceremonial head of state from 1950 to 1962. ## Biography - Born: December 3, 1884, in Zeradei, Bihar, British India - Nationality: Indian - Education: Studied at Presidency University and the University of Calcutta; earned a law degree - Known for: Serving as the first President of India and contributing significantly to the Indian independence movement - Employer(s): Government of India (as President), various legal and political roles - Field(s): Law, politics, governance ## Contributions Rajendra Prasad made significant contributions to Indian society through his leadership and public service: - **Legal Career**: Practiced law and became a respected jurist before entering politics. - **Indian Independence Movement**: Actively participated in freedom struggles, including the Champaran Satyagraha with Mahatma Gandhi. - **First President of India**: Served as the inaugural President of the Republic of India from 1950 to 1962, setting precedents for the office. - **Educational Advocacy**: Supported educational reforms and was associated with institutions like the University of Calcutta. - **Honorary Recognition**: Received the honorary doctorate from the University of Calcutta. ## FAQs ### Who was Rajendra Prasad? Rajendra Prasad was the first President of the Republic of India, serving from 1950 until his death in 1963. He was a lawyer by training and played a significant role in India's independence movement. ### What did Rajendra Prasad do for India? Rajendra Prasad contributed to India's freedom struggle and later became the nation's first President. He helped shape the early governance framework of independent India and promoted education and legal reforms. ### Where did Rajendra Prasad study? He studied at Presidency University in Kolkata and later earned a law degree from the University of Calcutta. ### What is Rajendra Prasad's legacy? Rajendra Prasad's legacy includes his leadership as India's first President, his role in the independence movement, and his contributions to legal and educational development in India. ### What awards or honors did Rajendra Prasad receive? He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his service to the nation. ## Why They Matter Rajendra Prasad's impact on Indian history is profound. As the first President, he established norms and traditions for the presidency in a newly independent republic. His leadership during India's formative years as a sovereign nation provided stability and continuity. His work in the independence movement, particularly alongside Mahatma Gandhi, helped lay the foundation for modern India. His legacy continues to influence India's political and educational institutions. ## Notable For - First President of the Republic of India (1950–1962) - Participation in the Indian independence movement, including the Champaran Satyagraha - Legal career and education at the University of Calcutta - Awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor - Serving as a bridge between India's colonial past and its democratic future ## Body ### Early Life and Education Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884, in Zeradei, Bihar, during the period of British Raj. He pursued higher education at Presidency University in Kolkata and later earned a law degree from the University of Calcutta. His academic background laid the foundation for his legal and political career. ### Legal Career As a lawyer, Prasad practiced law and gained recognition for his expertise. His legal acumen positioned him as a respected figure in Indian society, allowing him to contribute to both the legal and political realms. ### Role in Independence Movement Rajendra Prasad was deeply involved in India's struggle for independence. He worked closely with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and participated in significant movements such as the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917. His activism and leadership in the freedom struggle established him as a key figure in Indian history. ### Presidency of India Prasad became the first President of the Republic of India on January 26, 1950, and served until his death in 1962. His tenure was marked by efforts to uphold constitutional governance and maintain the dignity of the presidential office. He was instrumental in setting precedents for the role of the President in India's democratic framework. ### Educational and Social Contributions Rajendra Prasad was a strong advocate for education and contributed to the development of academic institutions. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Calcutta, recognizing his contributions to education and public service. ### Honors and Recognition He was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for his outstanding service to the nation. This recognition underscored his contributions to Indian independence, governance, and education. ### Legacy and Influence Rajendra Prasad's legacy lies in his role as the first President of India and his contributions to the nation's early governance. His leadership during the transition from colonial rule to independence helped shape modern India. His influence extended to legal, educational, and political spheres, leaving a lasting impact on Indian society. ### Personal Life and Death Rajendra Prasad passed away on February 28, 1963. His life and work continue to be celebrated in India for his dedication to public service and his role in shaping the nation's democratic institutions. ### Affiliations and Connections - **University of Calcutta**: Educated and later honored with an honorary doctorate. - **Presidency University**: Early academic association. - **British Raj**: Opposed colonial rule and participated in independence efforts. - **India's Independence**: Key participant in freedom movements and post-independence governance. Rajendra Prasad's life reflects a deep commitment to law, education, and public service. His contributions remain integral to India's historical and political narrative. ## References 1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978) 2. BnF authorities 3. [Source](http://164.100.47.194/loksabha/constituent/Constituent.aspx) 4. International Standard Name Identifier 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. Lingua Libre 7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 9. Croatian Encyclopedia 10. Munzinger Personen 11. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia 12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 13. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 14. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe) 15. Dizionario di Storia 16. Catalogo of the National Library of India