Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1884 – 1963), India's first President, was a politician, lawyer, journalist and scholar.
Born in 1884 in Ziradei, Bihar, he mastered multiple languages, secured first-class honors in college, and impressed an examiner so much that they wrote on his answer sheet, 'The examinee is better than the examiner' – high praise indeed! He completed his doctorate in law from Allahabad University and joined the High Court of Bihar and Odisha in 1916.
In his younger days, he juggled his roles as a teacher, lawyer, and activist with the finesse of a seasoned multitasker. He helped Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran, left his lucrative legal career to join the independence movement, and still found time to start institutions like Bihar Vidyapeeth. All this while raising a family and collecting wisdom like others collect stamps.
He was a key player in the Indian independence movement, joining the Indian National Congress in 1906 and becoming a major leader from the region of Bihar. He was the first Union Minister of Agriculture and later President of the Constituent Assembly of India, which prepared the Constitution of India.
When India became a republic in 1950, Prasad, a man of integrity and humility, was the unanimous choice for President. He is the only Indian President to serve two full terms, setting a gold standard for non-partisan leadership. He opened the Mughal Gardens to the public - turning presidential real estate into a national attraction.
Through it all, he remained deeply connected to his roots, retiring to a simple life in Bihar after his presidency. Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1962, he passed away a year later, leaving behind a legacy of service, intellect, and just a touch of humor for those who read his life story with a smile.