Dr. Prasad served as India's first president from 1950 to 1962.

"In order to achieve our goals, our methods must be as clean as the ultimate result!" - Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

On the pages of Indian history, Dr. Rajendra Prasad is a name that shines just like the northern lights. Well, he stood as a guiding force for India when it was struggling with colonial rule, and also when it received its independence and later became a republic. He was a man of great wisdom, and his strategies shaped the country's socio-political scenarios.

Born on December 3, 1884, Dr. Prasad was not only a visionary politician but also a scholar, lawyer, and journalist. As an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he actively took part in India's freedom struggle and influenced his countrymen to unite and stand up against the British. He was imprisoned several times by the British, including during the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and the Quit India movement of 1942. Upon the country's independence, he played a major role in shaping the 'Republic of India', and was then elected as its first president by the Constituent Assembly.

First Republic Day Celebrations.
PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad signed the Indian Constitution on 26th January 1950.
Long Live Democracy!🇮🇳
Pics-@CaptainGzb #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/di8yvIWiF7

— Priyamwada (@PriaINC) January 25, 2023

(Credit: Priyamwada)

Dr. Prasad was a great author as well. He penned several books, sharing his insights into everything from society to politics to philosophy and more. To mark his birth anniversary today, we have made a list of his best books that you must read at least once.

Satyagraha at Champaran

'Satyagraha at Champaran' is inarguably the most popular literary work by Dr. Prasad. The book describes several aspects of the Champaran Satyagraha movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, exploring the country's complex socio-political scene at that time. It captures the essence of the movement, serving as a testament to the author's understanding of Gandhi's principles of nonviolent movement.

Through vivid description, the author brings forth the struggles of the Champaran residents from the time, helping us understand the movement better. Also, it is one of the finest books on Gandhi's leadership and commitment to peace.

India Divided

Published in 1946, just a year prior to India's independence and its partition, Dr. Prasad's book 'India Divided' explores various aspects of the partition of India in 1947. In this book, he analyzes the social and political factors that led to partition, and also shares his insights into the concept of "unity in diversity". It delves deep into the roots of communal challenges, showcasing the sensitive issues surrounding partition from multiple perspectives.

The book is written in such a manner that it's understandable by readers of all age groups. Moreover, it addresses partition in a completely different way, emphasizing more on the human cost of the event.

Atmakatha

Dr. Prasad's autobiography, 'Atmakatha', is a personal narrative that provides us with glimpses from his life. Published in 1946, the book begins with his early life and goes on to cover everything from his student years to political life to experiences to working as the President and more. It's not a mere chronological account of his life; rather it offers us an insight into his psyche, helping us understand life better. On the other hand, it describes the challenges faced by the Indian National Congress in its journey to achieve the country's independence.

(Notably, Dr. Prasad wrote this book during his 3-year prison term in Bankipur Jail.)

Besides the above-mentioned books, the list also includes 'Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminiscences', 'Bapu Ke Qadmon Men', 'Since Independence', 'Bharatiya Shiksha', and 'At the Feet of Mahatma Gandhi'.