Rajendra Prasad

Rajendra Prasad , 1884-1963, first president of India. Before entering politics, he taught English literature, history, economics, and law. In 1917 he began working with Mohandas K. Gandhi , and in 1920 he joined the Indian National Congress and was several times (1934, 1939, 1947-48) its president. He was imprisoned (1942-45) for supporting the Congress opposition to the British war effort in World War II. Prasad became president of India in 1950, when the republic of India was proclaimed, and held that office until 1962. His many writings include his autobiography (tr. 1958) and At the Feet of Mahatma Gandhi (1961).

Prasad, Rajendra (1884–1963) Indian nationalist politician. A lawyer by profession, he began working with Mohandas GANDHI in 1917. He was imprisoned by the British (1942–45) for supporting the CONGRESS opposition to the British war effort in World War II. He represented the conservative wing within Congress, of which he was President on four occasions between 1932 and 1947. Prasad became President of India (1950–62) when the republic was proclaimed.

Prasad, Rajendra (b. 3 Dec. 1884, d. 28 Feb. 1963). President of India 1950–62 Born in Saran into a wealthy Bihar family, he was educated in Calcutta and became a successful lawyer. Of the inner circle of M. K. Gandhi's followers, which included Jawarhalal Nehru and Sadar Patel, he was the one whose ideals most closely resembled that of the Mahatma. He presided over the Indian National Congress 1934, 1939, and 1947, and was Minister of Food and Agriculture in the interim government of 1946–7. A conciliatory figure whose authority derived from the application of Gandhian principles, he presided over the Constituent Assembly (1946–9). As the first President of the Republic of India, he was uncomfortable with Nehru's confrontational policies against Pakistan, as well as his promotion of industry.