A stalwart of India's struggle for freedom and elected president of the Constituent Assembly in 1946, Dr Rajendra Prasad became India's president when India became a republic on 26th January 1950. He held office for twelve years till May 1962 the longest term of any president.
Born in Bihar where he had his early education, he later joint Presidency Collage, Calcutta, where he had a brilliant academic record. After his MA he worked as a Professor at Muzzafarpur College. Later he obtained the degree of Master of Law.
In 1910, he came in contact with Gopal Krishna Gokhale and joined the Servants of Indian Society. He met Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 and became an active Congress worker and freedom fighter. In 1932, he was elected President of Indian National Congress.
He wrote three books: History of the Champaran Campaign; India Divided and autobiography.
Immensely respected and admired, he could have continued for another term he wished, but he preferred to stand down in a spirit of self-abnegation.
He awarded the country's highest honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1962.
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