2017-01-24 Tue

“Under sub-rule (1) of rule 8 of the Rules for the election of the President, I hereby declare Dr Rajendra Prasad to be duly elected to the Office of President of India.” – Shri H.V. R. Lengar

Dr Rajendra Prasad of a much-deserved calibre and personality had been the President of the Constituent Assembly and the President of Congress (1943 and 1939) before he was elected as the 1st President of Republic India! As President of India, he duly followed the Constitution of India and acted independently of any political party. He was re-elected for 2 consecutive terms in 1952 and 1957 and remains only President of India to have held the office twice..

A lawyer by profession, Dr Rajendra Prasad was one of the foremost disciples of Gandhi Ji's and he played a crucial role in Indian freedom struggle. He was awarded the "Bharat Ratna", the nation's highest civilian award, in 1962. Dr Prasad passed away, after suffering from brief illness for around six months, on February 28, 1963.

His life has been truly inspiring for all Indians and we could not have asked for a more fitting and perfect personality to lead India into a fresh chapter of the nation’s glorious history!

India Post has issued two stamps honouring the 1st President of Republic India. A 15 Naye Paise commemorative Stamp released in 1962 has his portrait and the other stamp issued in 1984 depicts our President sitting on desk signing documents!

View the stamps here.