Once Gandhiji said—“The Indian Democracy which I assume, that will be adorned by a farmer as its President.”
And after achieving independence that great personage, whom public representatives elected unanimously for the supreme post, was not a farmer by occupation, but by nature he was a farmer.
That great person was—Doctor Rajendra Prasad.
He was simple and energetic as a farmer. His heart was innocent and steady like a farmer. If we his works, attributes and tendencies in any class then that was farmers class only.
He became the President of India on 26th Jan. 1950. There was an atmosphere of merriment in the entire country especially in Delhi. It seemed that some big festival is going to be held in Delhi.
Rajendra Babu mounted regal carriage admiring God. Government officials were welcoming him. Carriage proceeded to Govt. House from Queen Victoria Road. Former Governor General Chakravarty Rajgopalachari welcomed him there. Rajgopalachari was famous by his nickname Rajaji. He was a genius. He had no parallel in politics, thought and wit.
The Indian President’s oath ceremony was not a simple event. It was an unique event in Indian history. 26th January 1950 became an immortal date.
Oath ceremony was to take place in the Durbar Hall of Government House where honourable dignitaries of Indian and foreign countries, foreign diplomats etc. were present. Eyes of entire world were fixed at this historic ceremony.
Reaching Durbar Hall Rajendra Babu assumed the elevated seat in the presence of honourable personalities. His wife Smt. Rajvanshi Devi sat beside him. After that home secretary of Indian Government H.B.R. Ayangar duly declared that Doctor Rajendra Prasad is hereby elected the President of Indian Republic. Afterwards honourable President took oath—
“I Rajendra Prasad swear by the God that I shall follow the duties of President and execute President post trustfully and shall work for protection and safeguard of constitution and rule with my utmost ability and shall engage in service and welfare of Indian people.”
Later manifesting his motives Rajendra Prasad said—“This day is memorable in our history. I thank to Almighty, God that He bestowed us this auspicious day. And I too thank to the father of the nation who provided us and the world infallible weapon as Civil Disobedience and motivate us on path of freedom. I also thank to those multifarious males-females who achieved freedom and made possible the establishment of sovereign democratic republic. It is first occasion in our long and eventful history, when from Kashmir in north to Kanyakumari in south and Kathiawar in west to Kamrup in east this vast country has existed as federal and constitutionally united…’’
It was his first speech which he addressed after becoming President. And whatever he explained was true. He had blind faith in Gandhiji’s view and ideals.
Simplicity, sincerity, truth and morality were his inherent virtues. He was remarkable and intelligent student of his time. He obtained top position in Entrance, F.A., B.A. and B.L. exams in the university. He got a chance to serve as a magistrate but due to his national feelings he joined freedom movement.
When he was a student in Presidency College, Calcutta, the affection towards country germinated in his heart. He took active part in Champaran movement. After this movement he became a staunch follower of Gandhiji. His personal views also modulated. He became dedicated for freedom of motherland. Relinquishing all the amenities of his life he got involved in achieving his aim.
He had only one aim—and that was freedom alike Gandhi, Nehru and other great leaders of that time.