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Autobiography
Dr Rajendra Prasad wrote the greater part of Autobiography while he was in prison between 1942 and 1945. First published in Hindi, it takes us through his childhood, his life in his village Chapra, his early education with his teacher Maulvi Saheb , his years as a student in Calcutta, his marriage at the age of twelve and his legal practice. It discusses not only his personal tribulations, but is also an examination of the last years of British colonial rule in India. As a freedom fighter and close associate of Gandhi, he was privy to political developments in the decades before independence. He records Gandhi s influence on him, the call for non-co-operation in Bihar as part of Gandhiji s larger all-India movement, the boycott of foreign cloth, the shadow of communalism and the Hindu-Muslim question, Satyagraha and social reform. This book is testimony to Rajendra Prasad s deep humanity, his unswerving nationalism and belief in democracy. It is also an exploration of the foundations of modern India.
616 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Rajendra Prasad
91 books13 followersRajendra Prasad was the first President of the Republic of India. An Indian political leader, lawyer by training, Prasad joined the Indian National Congress during the Indian independence movement and became a major leader from the region of Bihar. A supporter of Mahatma Gandhi, Prasad was imprisoned by British authorities during the Salt Satyagraha of 1931 and the Quit India movement of 1942. Prasad served one term as President of the Indian National Congress from 1934 to 1935. After the 1946 elections, Prasad served as minister of food and agriculture in the central government. Upon independence in 1947, Prasad was elected president of the Constituent Assembly of India, which prepared the Constitution of India and served as its provisional parliament.
When India became a Republic in 1950, Prasad was elected its first President by the Constituent Assembly. Following the general election of 1951, he was elected President by the electoral college of the first Parliament of India and its state legislatures. As President, Prasad established a tradition of non-partisanship and independence for the office-bearer, and retired from Congress party politics. Although a ceremonial head of state, Prasad encouraged the development of education in India and advised the Nehru government on several occasions. In 1957, Prasad was re-elected to the presidency, becoming the only president to have been twice the office
When India became a Republic in 1950, Prasad was elected its first President by the Constituent Assembly. Following the general election of 1951, he was elected President by the electoral college of the first Parliament of India and its state legislatures. As President, Prasad established a tradition of non-partisanship and independence for the office-bearer, and retired from Congress party politics. Although a ceremonial head of state, Prasad encouraged the development of education in India and advised the Nehru government on several occasions. In 1957, Prasad was re-elected to the presidency, becoming the only president to have been twice the office
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 8, 2015
This book is really very good in many ways. In a very strange way, it does give an insight into what was happening in India at the turn of the century. Curiously, it does not shed much light on the main event of the times - the gradual split between the Hindus and the Muslims, I think Rajendra Prasad kept that for his other book, "India Divided"
He does not pass judgement on his colleagues, which is refreshing. He does not glorify himself. Yet, he comes across as a pragmatic balanced, level-headed person. He was, I think, not a charismatic leader, and seemed to be content to play second fiddle to Mahatma Gandhi. I think this is probably good, because we cannot all jostle for glory at the very top
He did not seem to have much of a family life, and does not write much about his family, with exception to his brother whom he seemed to hve held in great regards. But, this was one of the sacrifices that people like him made, so that we could all be free.
A very good book to read. But, a book to be read with patience.
He does not pass judgement on his colleagues, which is refreshing. He does not glorify himself. Yet, he comes across as a pragmatic balanced, level-headed person. He was, I think, not a charismatic leader, and seemed to be content to play second fiddle to Mahatma Gandhi. I think this is probably good, because we cannot all jostle for glory at the very top
He did not seem to have much of a family life, and does not write much about his family, with exception to his brother whom he seemed to hve held in great regards. But, this was one of the sacrifices that people like him made, so that we could all be free.
A very good book to read. But, a book to be read with patience.
August 19, 2019
This book give very fine view of life of our First President and then situation he had to face in his personal as well as in his social life. It drag you to the past of India as you were the part of it. Must read for know more.
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June 8, 2018Its a very good book about Dr.Rajendra Prasad.I like it so much.SUPERB!!!!feeling proud
April 11, 2019
good one
July 8, 2020
Great perosonlity with heart of Gold.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews