Dr Rajendra Prasad’s 141st Birth Anniversary Special: 15 Motivational Quotes From The First President Of India

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Dr Rajendra Prasad was born on 3 December 1884, in the village of Ziradei, Bihar. He earned degrees in Economics and Law, excelling academically, before choosing to dedicate his life to India's freedom struggle. In 1920 he gave up his legal career inspired by the independence movement.

He participated in major campaigns of the time, enduring repeated imprisonment under British rule. After independence, as President of the Constituent Assembly, he played a key role in framing the Indian Constitution.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

When India became a republic in 1950, he became the first President and the only one to serve two full terms, making him the longest-serving President in India's history. Later, in recognition of his lifelong service, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna. Today, on his 141st birth anniversary, these 15 quotes from him feel as relevant as ever not as distant words, but as practical advice for life.

1. "Nobody can push me aside."

A reminder to hold your space, especially when life gets difficult.

2. "In attaining our ideals, our means should be as pure as the end."

Doing the right thing the right way. No shortcuts.

3. "What is wrong in theory is not right in practice also."

If something doesn't sit right in your mind, it won't magically work in real life.

4. "There is no resting place for a nation or a people on their onward march."

Progress is ongoing for countries and for individuals.

5. "We must remember all those people who sacrifice their lives for freedom."

Gratitude isn't a one-day ritual; it's a continuous responsibility.

6. "I am certain that your personality will aid in the healing of wounded souls and the restoration of peace and harmony in an environment of distrust and confusion."

Your presence makes an impact more than you realise.

7. "For the first time in our long and tumultuous history, we found the whole huge territory... united under the authority of a single constitution and a single union."

Highlighting what it took to come together as a nation.

8. "Actors can't keep dashing around the woods forever."

A simple way of saying: evolve or get stuck.

9. "With weapons of mass devastation at man's disposal now, the human species itself is in grave risk of extinction."

A serious line and still relevant in discussions on global responsibility.

10. "In order to achieve our goals, our methods must be as clean as the ultimate result!"

Consistency between intentions, actions and outcomes.

11. "More importantly, I also understand my age and am in a better position to appreciate it."

Self-awareness ages well. Ego doesn't.

12. "Now I am careful about the kind of roles that I do."

Choosing wisely whether it's work, relationships or responsibilities.

13. "One must learn to play one's age."

Accepting personal seasons instead of fighting them.

14. "We have become so used to depending on English precedents that it seems almost sacrilegious to have a different reading, even though our situations and circumstances warrant a different interpretation."

Think for yourself. Context matters.

15. "Real education makes us humble and builds a sense of service towards humanity."

Knowledge without humility doesn't mean much.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

Dr Rajendra Prasad's life journey from a village in Bihar to leading a newly independent nation is inspiring. But what stays with us longer is his humility, clarity and respect for principles. On his birth anniversary, these 15 quotes offer a chance to reflect and perhaps let a line or two shape how we approach life. That, in itself, is a meaningful tribute