Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, remains a towering figure in the annals of Indian history. Known for his profound intellect, unwavering dedication to the nation, and his significant role in India’s freedom struggle, his legacy inspires generations. Among the many anecdotes that underscore his brilliance is a remarkable remark made by one of his examiners: “The examinee is better than the examiner.” This statement, reflecting his extraordinary intellect, has become a part of India’s educational folklore. However, the lack of preserved relics from his early life, particularly his schooling in Chhapra, Bihar, is a poignant reminder of how the nation has overlooked safeguarding the heritage of its greatest leaders.
The Iconic Remark: “Examinee is Better than Examiner” by Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s academic journey began in Chhapra’s District School. He later moved to Presidency College under Calcutta University for higher studies, where his brilliance became legendary. During an examination in 1906, his answers so impressed the examiner that the historic remark, “The examinee is better than the examiner,” was inscribed on his evaluation.
This rare acknowledgment of intellectual excellence remains unparalleled. Dr. Prasad’s answer sheet and enrollment records, once preserved as artifacts, were symbols of his scholarly genius. Unfortunately, over time, these invaluable documents have been lost. Efforts by local administrations and educational authorities to retrieve them from archives in Kolkata have proven futile. This neglect underscores a broader issue of inadequate preservation of historical legacies in India.
Early Education and Academic Brilliance of Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Born in 1884, Dr. Rajendra Prasad received his early education at a traditional school before enrolling in Chhapra District School at the age of 12. During this time, he married Rajvanshi Devi, following the customs of the era. His academic journey then took him to T.K. Ghosh Academy in Patna, where he studied for two years, excelling in his studies.
He later joined Presidency College in Calcutta, where he pursued his law degree and eventually earned a doctorate. His brilliance as a student set him apart, and his academic achievements became the foundation for his illustrious career as a scholar, freedom fighter, and statesman.
Legacy Left Unpreserved by Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Chhapra District School holds an indelible connection to Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s formative years. Despite being the institution that nurtured one of India’s greatest leaders, it has little to show in terms of preserved artifacts or records. The school does have a statue of Dr. Prasad and a garden named in his honor, but these are modest tributes to such a monumental figure.
Every year, the school celebrates Dr. Prasad’s birth anniversary on December 3 with a grand event. Teachers and students take immense pride in their association with him. Preeti Kumari, a teacher at the school, shares how the phrase “Examinee is better than examiner” continues to inspire students. However, the absence of tangible relics, such as his examination scripts or other memorabilia, is deeply felt.
Efforts by previous school administrations to recover these records have been unsuccessful. Letters sent to Kolkata Library authorities requesting copies of his examination papers went unanswered, and even the correspondence itself has been lost. This failure to preserve the legacy of Dr. Prasad reflects a broader pattern of neglecting historical and cultural heritage.
Contributions Beyond Academics of Dr. Rajendra Prasad
While Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s academic brilliance is legendary, his contributions to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building were equally remarkable. Drawn to the Indian independence movement early on, he became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a key role in pivotal events like the Champaran Satyagraha, where he represented the Saran district.
Dr. Prasad was an active participant in the Swadeshi Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. His leadership qualities were recognized when he was elected as the President of the Constituent Assembly, overseeing the drafting of India’s Constitution. On January 26, 1950, he was sworn in as the first President of independent India, a role he fulfilled with grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to Gandhian principles.
The Scholar and the Statesman
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s life exemplified the power of education and the transformative impact of knowledge. Despite his stature as the President of India, he remained deeply rooted in simplicity and service. His scholarly pursuits included authoring several notable books such as Bapu ke Kadmon Mein Bapu, India Divided, Satyagraha at Champaran, Gandhiji ki Den, and Bhartiya Sanskriti aur Khadi ka Arthshastra. These works reflect his deep understanding of India’s culture, socio-political fabric, and Gandhian philosophy.
He opposed Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s two-nation theory but ultimately accepted the partition of India as a necessary compromise. His contributions to shaping India’s democratic and constitutional framework alongside stalwarts like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar cemented his legacy as a visionary leader.
The Lost Heritage of Chhapra District School
The lack of preserved relics from Dr. Prasad’s time at Chhapra District School is a glaring oversight. His examination scripts, enrollment records, and other memorabilia could have served as sources of inspiration for generations. Music teacher Sudhakar Kashyap notes the regret of losing these records, which could have highlighted the school’s pivotal role in shaping a leader of Dr. Prasad’s caliber.
As India progresses, it becomes increasingly important to invest in preserving the legacies of its historical icons. This includes maintaining archives, restoring historical sites, and safeguarding documents that hold cultural and historical significance.
Dr. Prasad’s Lasting Legacy
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s journey from a small-town student to the highest office in the country is a testament to his extraordinary determination and intellect. After retiring from public life, he lived in simplicity at Sadaqat Ashram near Patna, where he passed away on February 28, 1963.
His legacy lives on in the form of his contributions to India’s freedom struggle, his leadership as the first President, and his unwavering commitment to education and service. However, the absence of preserved artifacts from his early life at Chhapra District School is a reminder of the need to better honor and safeguard the legacies of leaders like him.
Conclusion
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s life is a beacon of inspiration for all Indians. His journey underscores the transformative power of education, the importance of humility in leadership, and the need for unwavering commitment to national service. As we celebrate his life and contributions, let us also commit to preserving the historical and cultural heritage associated with figures like him.
The story of “The examinee is better than the examiner” is not just a testament to Dr. Prasad’s brilliance but also a call to action to ensure that the relics of such legacies are preserved for future generations. By doing so, we can truly honor the life and contributions of a leader who shaped India’s destiny.