New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to India’s first president Rajendra Prasad on his 137th birth anniversary.
“Tributes to the first President of Independent India and unique talent Bharat Ratna Rajendra Prasad on his birth anniversary. He made special contributions to the freedom struggle of the country. His life was dedicated to the interests of the nation. He will always remain a source of inspiration for the country,” he tweeted.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also remembered India’s first president on his birth anniversary and commended his contribution in nation building.
“Greetings to the great freedom fighter, the country’s first president ‘Bharat Ratna’ Dr Rajendra Prasad ji, who embodied the principle of 'simple living - high thinking' in life, on his birth anniversary. Your incomparable and unforgettable contribution in nation building is a great inspiration for every Indian,” he posted on the micro-blogging platform in Hindi.
Prasad is the only president to serve two full terms and he stayed in office for the longest term of around 12 years.
Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, he also played a significant role in making the Indian Constitution.
He travelled the world extensively as an ambassador of India, building diplomatic rapport with foreign nations.
Born in Bihar’s Siwan district, Prasad died on February 28, 1983, at the age of 78.
He was awarded the country’s highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1962.