A man of great wisdom, Rajendra Prasad wrote several books that may help you understand the world better.
"There is no resting place for a nation or a people on their onward march." - Dr. Rajendra Prasad
In discussions about India's political history (particularly the period before and after the country's independence), Rajendra Prasad often gets overshadowed by other notable figures. And this is really unfortunate that many of today's kids don't even know his name. However, as it goes without saying, he was a guiding force for India's freedom movement, and also later when it became a republic. A supporter of Mahatma Gandhi, he served as the first president of India from 1952 to 1962.
Born on December 3, 1884, Dr. Prasad was a man of many talents - a politician, lawyer, scholar, and journalist. And he was an incredible author as well, with numerous books to his credit. Today, as we celebrate his 140th birth anniversary, let's have a look at some of his books.
The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was Mahatma Gandhi's first satyagraha movement in British India. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who was an important part of this movement, later described several aspects of it in his book 'Satyagraha at Champaran'. Published in 1922, the book offers us insights into India's socio-political scene of that time and also helps us understand Gandhi's philosophies. Besides, it also reflects on Dr. Prasad's personal journey as well as evolution as a political leader.
Anyone interested in India's political history must read 'Satyagraha at Champaran' at least once.
The partition of India is undoubtedly one of the most tragic events in India's history. And Dr. Prasad's 'Division of India' was published just a year prior to that (and India's Independence), exploring the social and political scenarios that led to the partition. In the book, the first Indian President critiqued the two-nation theory (popularized by the Muslim League led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah) and offered a balanced argument on the whole thing.
Well, the book mirrors the remarkable vision that Dr. Prasad had as a statesman. Here, he warned about the social, economic, and obviously humanitarian consequences that could take place after the partition - and as history suggests, he was largely right (unfortunately).
Dr. Prasad wrote his autobiography, titled 'Atmakatha', during his three-year prison term in Bankipur Jail. Published in 1946, the extraordinary book gives us insights into not only his life and works but also his thoughts and intellect.
The book begins with his early life and goes on to explore everything from his student life to his involvement in India's freedom struggle to work as India's President and more. And as the book progresses, it becomes a chronicle of India's modern history.
Remembering Dr. Rajendra Prasad, a Bharat Ratna awardee, who also served as the President of the Constituent Assembly of India. pic.twitter.com/2lqX1BQgyL
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 3, 2017
Credit: Congress
As mentioned earlier, Dr. Prasad was a man of great wisdom. And 'Atmakatha' does prove that brilliantly. Moreover, it helps you understand life better and overcome all the challenges that it throws at you.
Once you are done with these books, go for 'Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminiscences', 'Bapu Ke Qadmon Men', 'Since Independence', 'At the Feet of Mahatma Gandhi', and 'Bharatiya Shiksha'.
