The 135th birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad was celebrated at The Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, last night by India Positive organization in fond remembrance of his extraordinary contributions to nation-building. Union Minister – Law and Justice, Communication and Electronics and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Cabinet Minister of HRD Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, and Minister of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Giriraj Singh were among the dignitaries present on the occasion. On this occasion, the organizers formally appealed to the government to declare his birth anniversary as the National Knowledge Day or Rashtriya Gyan Divas for the entire nation. Pokhriyal said “the new education policy is coming after 33 years and it will be an India-centric policy. The new generation will be read about the tall leaders such as Dr Rajendra Prasad, which will help them establish India as a world leader. India’s culture should remain intact with new science, technology and research.”
Mr. Mahesh Verma organizer of the event welcomed all the guests and expressed his gratitude by adding, “Dr. Rajendra Prasad, first president of India played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence. We have requested Government to declare Dr. Prasad’s birthday as Rashtriya Gyan Diwas and we are grateful that everyone assured us their support regarding this.”
In his message sent to the organizers, Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu, said, “Dr Rajendra Prasad was a true patriot and a firm believer in the ethos of democracy and equality. He was an embodiment of Gandhian principles. His simplicity and humility made him a leader of the masses. The crucial role played by him in India’s struggle for independence and subsequently in drafting the Constitution will always remain a source of great inspiration for our citizens. His life and ideals will keep guiding our nation’s journey forward.”
Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad while speaking about the life of Dr Rajendra Prasad, said, “If he would have been an advocate, he would have been the top advocate of India. Talent, simplicity and dedication should go together and he has established these criteria when being at a high post of being the President of India. Youth should be informed about these qualities.”
Shyam Jaju (National Vice President of BJP), Manoj Tewari (President Delhi BJP), Nityanand Rai (Union Minister of State for Home), and Rama Devi (MP Shivhar) were among the dignitaries present at the event. The organisers — India Positive — prepared a case explaining the reasons as to why this annual occasion should be declared as Rashtriya Gyan Diwas by the Government of India and presented it to the chief guests and other guests of honor.