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Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, son of  Mahadev Sahai, was born in  Zeradei, siwan, Bihar on December 3, 1884. Being the youngest in a large joint family he was greatly loved. He was strongly attached to his mother and elder brother Mahendra. In Zeradei's diverse population, people lived together in onsiderable harmony. His earliest memories were of playing "Kabaddi" with his Hindu and Muslim friends alike. In keeping with the old customs of his village and family, he was married when he was barely 12 years old to Rajvanshi Devi.




He was a brilliant student; standing first in the entrance examination to the University of Calcutta, he was  awarded Rs.30/month scholarship. He joined the famed Calcutta Presidency College in 1902. His scholarship, ironically, would pose the first test of his patriotism. Gopal Krishna Gokhale had started the Servants of India Society in 1905 and asked him to join. So strong was his sense of duty toward his family and education that he, after much deliberation, refused Gokhale. But the decision would not rest easy on him. He recalled, "I was miserable" and for the first time in his life his performance in academia declined, and he barely cleared his law examinations.

Having made his choice, however, he set aside the intruding thoughts, and focused on his studies with renewed vigor. In 1915, He passed the Masters in Law examination with honors, winning a gold medal. Subsequently, he completed his Doctorate in Law as well.

As an accomplished lawyer, however, he realized it would be only a matter of time before he would be caught up in the turmoil of the fight for independence. While Gandhiji was on a fact finding mission in Chamaparan district of Bihar to address grievances of local peasants, he called on Dr. Rajendra Prasad to come to Champaran with volunteers. He rushed to Champaran. Initially he was not impressed with Gandhiji's appearance or conversation. In time, however, he was deeply moved by the dedication, conviction and courage that Gandhiji displayed. Here was a man alien of the parts, who had made the cause of the people of Champaran his own. He decided that he would do everything he could to help, with his skills as a lawyer and as an enthusiastic volunteer.

Gandhiji's influence greatly altered many of his views, most importantly on caste and untouchability. Gandhiji made Dr. Rajendra Prasad realize that the nation, working for a common cause, "became of one caste, namely co-workers." He reduced the number of servants he had to one, and sought ways to simplify his life. He no longer felt shame in sweeping the floor, or washing his own utensils, tasks he had all along assumed others would do for him.

Whenever the people suffered, he was present to help reduce  the pain. In 1914 floods ravaged Bihar and Bengal. He became a volunteer distributing food and cloth to the flood victims. In 1934, Bihar was shaken by an earthquake, which caused immense damage and loss of property. The quake, devastating by itself, was followed by floods and an outbreak of malaria which heightened misery. He dove right in with relief work, collecting food, clothes and medicine. His experiences here led to similar efforts elsewhere too. In 1935, an earthquake hit Quetta. He was not allowed to lend a hand because of Government restrictions. Nevertheless, he set up relief committees in Sind and Punjab for the homeless victims who flocked there.

Dr. Prasad called for  non cooperation in Bihar as part of Gandhiji's non-cooperation movement. He gave up his law practice and started a National College near Patna, 1921. The college was later shifted to Sadaqat Ashramon the banks of the Ganga. The non-cooperation movement in Bihar spread like wildfire. Dr. Prasad toured the state, holding public meeting fter another, collecting funds and galvanizing the nation for a complete boycott of all schools, colleges and Government offices. He urged the people to take to spinning and wear only khadi. Bihar and the entire nation was taken by storm, the people responded to the leaders' call. The machinery of the mighty British Raj was coming to a grinding halt. The British India Government utilized the one and only option at its disposal-force. Mass arrests were made. Lala Lajpat Rai, Jawaharlal Nehru, Deshbandhu Chittranjan Das and Maulana Azad were arrested. Then it happened. Peaceful non- cooperation turned to violence in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh. In light of the events at Chauri Chaura, Gandhiji suspended the civil disobedience movement. The entire nation was hushed. A murmur of dissent began within the top brass of the Congress. Gandhiji was criticized for what was called the "Bardoli retreat."

He stood by his mentor, seeing the wisdom behind Gandhiji's actions. Gandhiji did not want to set a precedent of violence for free India. In March 1930, Gandhiji launched the Salt Satyagraha. He planned to march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi seashore to break the salt laws. A salt Satyagraha was launched in Bihar under Dr. Prasad. Nakhas Pond in Patna was chosen as the site of the Satyagraha. Batch after batch of volunteers courted arrest while making salt. Many volunteers were injured. He called for more volunteers. Public opinion forced the Government to withdraw the police and allow the volunteers to make salt. He then sold the manufactured salt to raise funds. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

His service on the various fronts of the movement for independence raised his profile considerably. He presided over the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress in October 1934. Following the resignation of Subhash Chandra Bose as the President of the Congress in April 1939, He was elected President. He did his best to heal the rifts created between the incompatible ideologies of Subhash Chandra Bose and Gandhiji. Rabindranath Tagore wrote to him, "I feel assured in my mind that your personality will help to soothe the injured souls and bring peace and unity into an atmosphere of mistrust and chaos..."

As the freedom struggle progressed, the dark shadow of communalism which had always lurked in the background, steadily grew. To his dismay communal riots began spontaneously burst all over the nation and in Bihar. He rushed from one scene to another to control the riots. Independence was fast approaching and so was the prospect of partition. Dr. Prasad, who had such fond memories of playing with his Hindu and Muslim friends in Zeradei, now had the misfortune of witnessing the nation being ripped into two.

In July 1946, when the Constituent Assembly was established to frame the Constitution of India, he was elected its President. Two and a half years after independence, on January 26, 1950, the Constitution of independent India was ratified and he was elected the nation's first President. Dr. Prasad transformed the imperial splendor of Rashtrapati Bhavan into an elegant "Indian"  home. He visited many countries on missions of goodwill, as the new state sought to establish and nourish new relationships. He stressed the need for peace in a nuclear age.

In 1962, after 12 years as President, Dr. Prasad retired, and was subsequently  awarded the Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian award. With the many tumults of his vigorous and accomplished life, he recorded his life and the decades before independence in manybooks, among the more noted of which are "Satyagraha atChamparan" (1922), "India Divided" (1946), his autobiography "Atmakatha" (1946), "Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminisences" (1949), and "Bapu ke Kadmon Mein" (1954).

Dr. Rajendra Prasad spent the last few months of his life in retirement at the Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. He died on February 28, 1963. In her first citizen, India had imagined a life of possibilities, and seen an unsurpassed dedication to making them real.

References-

Siwan District Map

 Map Of Siwan

Tourist Places Of Siwan

Here are some of the Tourist Places Of Siwan-

Zeeradei
Situated about 13 km from the district headquarters,zeeradei is known as the birthplace of India's first president Dr. Rajendra Prasad,who was later conferred Bharat Ratna. Popularly called Rajendra babu by his friends and followers, Dr Prasad was a symbol of simplicity,truth and dedication.
 
Ashiana
This place is known as the native residence of Maulana Mazharul Haq,one of the greatest freedom fighters of the country and a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity
 
Anand Bagh Math & Sunder Bagh Math
Situated at Bakhri village in Siswan block of Siwanthe two temples are in fact "samadhi sthals" of two renowned saints,Swami Jaggannath Das ji and his guru Bhagwan das ji.Both the temples are located near the Daha river and thousands of devotees visit these temples every year.On auspicious days,there's a huge rush of people as devotees from far flung places like Uttar Pradesh,West Bengal and New Delhi besides saran,Gopalganj,Jehanabad and Ara in Bihar come here.
 
Mahendra Nath Temple

Situated in Mehdar village under Siswan block, about 32 km south from the district headquarters, Mahendra Nath temple of Lord Shiva attracts visitors,including foreigners, from far flung areas. 
 
Raghunathpur
Situated about 27 km south from the district head quarters,Raghunathpur is the place where Lord Rama is believed to have taken rest after killing demon Tarka near Buxar.Later, Lord Rama proceeded to Janakpur Dham after crossing river Saryu.
 
Bhikhabandh
This place symbolises the affectionate relationship between a brother and his sister.There exists a temple of brother-sister at Bhikhabandh village under the Maharjganj block of the district.According to folklore,a brother and sister laid down their lives fighting Mughals in the 14th century
 
Panchmukhi Shivalinga
There's an old Shiva temple in Mahadeva locality of Siwan town which houses a "panchmukhi" or five faced Shivalinga. Locals insist the Shivlinga in the temple come out of the earth.One can also see the faces of Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh on the Shivalinga. Hundreds of devotees throng this temple every day.On Mahashivratri,a fair is also held here.
Burhiya Mai Temple
Located on east-northern portion of Gandhi Maidan in Siwan town, this temple draws huge crowd of devotees, especiallyon Saturdays.Locals believe one's wishes are fulfilled after worshipping the deity here. Offerings include new saris,fruits,flowers and coconuts. 

 

Amarpur 
Amarpur is a village situated 3 Kms. West of Darauli, in this village ruins of mosque of red bricks on the bank of river Ghaghara are still available. This mosque was build during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan (1626-1658) under the supervision of the Naib Amar Singh but the work was left incomplete. The village derived its name from the builder of the mosque Amar Singh.

Faridpur 

Faridpur situated just near Andar is the birthplace of Maulana Mazharul Haque who played an important role during the freedom movement. Sadaquat Ashram in Patna, which originally belonged to him. He was a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity.

Darauli 

A block headquarter now is said to be have been founded after the name of Dara Shikoh the elder son of the Emperor Shahjahan. It name was Daras Ali, which later on was changed into Darauli. There is reminiscence of Mughal period ruins where a big mela is held every year on the Kartik Purnima.

Don
1. A village in the Darauli block where there are remnants of a fort, which is said to be connected with the famous hero of the Mahabharat, Acharya Dronacharya the guru of both Kaurav’s and Pandav’s.


2. Where the Brahmin Dona built his stupa
 
StupaStupa
Dona's stupa is a lesser-known but popular Buddhist pilgrimage site, despite its isolated location. The Buddhist traveler Hiuen Tsang mentions a visit to Don in his account of his travels in India. He describes the stupa as being in ruins. The account of Dona's distribution of Buddha's ashes and being given the vessel is a mentioned in the end of the Mahaparinibbana Sutta, which is described in Maurice Walsh's The Long Discourses. Presently Dona's stupa is a grassy hill and has a Hindu temple built over it, where a beautiful statue of Tara is worshipped as a Hindu goddess. This statue was carved in the 9th century. A.D. Tourists on a Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour are sure to appreciate the historic sight of the stupa at Don.
How to Reach
Don can be reached from Patna to Siwan via Chhapra. A day trip from Kusinagar via Gopalganj can also be arranged.

After the Buddha's cremation a dispute arose as to how his ashes should be divided. Eventually a brahmin named Dona was given the task and he did it to the satisfaction of all the eight claimants. As a reward for his services he was given the vessel in which the ashes had been collected and from which he had divided and he announced that he would enshrine this vessel in a stupa. This stupa later became a popular destination with pilgrims. When Hiuen Tsiang went there it was already in ruins but it still sometimes emitted a brilliant light. Today Dona's stupa is a large grassy mound with a Hindu temple on it just outside the village of Don. Nearby is an exceptionally beautiful statue of Tara now being worshipped as a Hindu goddess. This statue dates from the 9th century. To get to Don go from Patna to Siwan via Chhapra . Alternatively you can visit Don as a day trip from Kusinara via Gopalganj. Beyond Siwan the road is very bad. The story about Dona's division of the Buddha's ashes is in the last part of the Mahaparinibbana Sutta which can be found in Walshe's The Long Discourses. When you have finished in Patna cross the Ganges by the new Mahatma Gandhi Bridge and head north to Vesali via Hajipur.

Hasanpura 

It is a village in the Hussainganj block. It is said that Makhdum Sayyad Hasan Chisti, a saint who came from Arabia to India and settled here, found it. He founded a Khankhah too.

Lakri Dargah

It is the place of pilgrimage for the Mohammedans. The village is so called because it contains the tomb (Dargah) of a Mohammedan saint, Shah Arjan of Patria, in which there is some good woodwork. The story runs that the saint, attracted by the solitude of the place, performed a Chila here, i.e., gave himself up to religious contemplation for 40 days. He also set up a religious establishment, which was endowed by the Emperor Aurangzeb. The anniversary of the saint's death is celebrated the 11th of Rabi-us-sani every year which attracts a large crowd.

Maharajganj

A block headquarters now, it was also called Basnauli Gangar. It is the largest bazar in the district. This was the place where great hero of Indian Independence Movement, Shri Phulena Prasad centralised his activity and fought against the Britishers.

Mairwa Dham

A block headquarters now, there is a celebrated Brahma Asthan, locally known as Hari Baba ka Asthan, the shrine having been built over the relics of the saint. There is also a mound called Chananriyam Dih from an Ahirni woman who is now worshipped in a shed built in front of the Dak bungalow which occupies the top of the mound. The shrine is on the bank of the Jharhi River and fairs are held in Kartik and Chaitra months. There is also a leper home at Mairwa known as Kustha Sevasram whcih is doing useful work.

Mehandar

A village in Siswan Blcok, where there is a temple of Lord Shiva & Lord Vishwakarma which is visited by the people of the locality on the Shivaratri day & Vishwakarma Puja (17 Sept) Day. It is known for its temple and a pond scatted over an area of more than 52 bighas. It is said that one Nepal king built these and took his bath in the pond and got his leprosy cured.

Ziradei

It is a village in the Hussainganj Blcok. Dr.Rajendra Prasad, the first President of the Indian Republic, belonged to this village.

Bhikhabandh

A village in Maharajganj Block, there is a big tree under the shade of which Bhaiya-Bahini temple is situated. The story runs that these brother and sister fought Mughal sepoys in the 14th century and died here in course of fighting.


Reference -

Some quick facts about Siwan

Here is some quick facts about Siwan -

Country
INDIA
State
BIHAR
Administrative division
SARAN
Headquarters
SIWAN (Bihar)
Lok Sabha constituencies
SIWAN
Area
2,219 km2 (857 sq mi)
Population (2011)
3,318,176
Density
1,500/km2 (3,900/sq mi)
Literacy
71.59 per cent
Sex ratio
984
Pin Code
841226 (Siwan) Click here for others
Language Spoken
Bhojpuri, Hindi
Assembly seats
Siwan, Ziradei, Darauli, Raghunathpur, Daraunda, Barharia, Goriakothi, Maharajganj




PIN CODE of SIWAN


Pincode Details


Location
Pincode
Admapur
841504
Agya
841439
Akolhi
841239
Alapur
841286
Amarpur
841234
Amlori
841226
Andar
841231
Ansar
841203
Anugrhnagar
841239
Aranda
841236
Asaon
841287
B.P.ekderwsa
841245
Babhanbara
841506
Badram
841241
Bagaura
841404
Baghi
841406
Bahadur Bazar
841404
Baijubarhoga
841406
Bakerganj
841286
Bakhri
841203
Balaun
841244
Balhu
841234
Balia
841506
Ballia
841237
Balliapokhra
841238
Balua
841435
Bangra
841238
Banthu Sriram
841245
Bardaha
841245
Bargaon
841239
Barhan Bazar
841227
Barheya
841226
Barhipurgop
841408
Barhni
841227
Barhria
841232
Barhulia
841245
Barkagaon
841226
Barkagaowan
841408
Barkamanjha
841245
Basantpur
841406
Basaowan
841406
Basopali
841227
Belaon
841235
Belaur
841239
Belauri
841239
Benusar
841227
Benusar Bujurg
841227
Bhagar
841210
Bhagwanpur Hat
841408
Bhaisakhal
841245
Bhantapokher
841226
Bhartpura
841506
Bharuli
841245
Bherwania
841507
Bhikha Bandh satjora
841244
Bhikhpur
841408
Bhikhpur Bhgwanpur
841236
Bhimpur
841404
Bhithi
841434
Bhlua
841435
Bhluwa
841404
Bhwrajpur
841231
Bilaspur
841239
Bishunpura
841238
Bishunpura Bazar
841239
Bishwania
841234
Bishwar
841239
Bithuna
841507
Bkulari
841239
Chainpur
841203
Chainpur Hata
841245
Chakari
841435
Chakia
841507
Chakra
841226
Champ
841241
Chanaur
841227
Chandparsa
841240
Chapia Bujurg
841226
Chapra Road
841226
Chaukihasan
841506
Chhapmathia
841227
Chhitanpur
841245
Chhitauli
841203
Chhotkateghra
841238
Chimanpura
841416
Chitakhal
841435
Choiapali
841242
Chorauli
841406
Chorma
841406
Chotka Manjha
841245
Daraila
841239
Darauli
841234
Daronda
841233
Deoria
841238
Dhanuti
841226
Dhanutihata
841236
Dighwalia
841203
Dindayalpur
841506
Done
841235
Draili Mathia
841235
Dudhra
841434
Dumra
841416
Dumrahar
841435
English
841239
Faridpur
841231
Gabhirar
841509
Gaighat
841231
Gambhria
841241
Gangpur Siswan
841210
Gauri
841234
Gaushalaroad Siwan
841227
Gayaspur
841210
Gaziapur
841245
Ghurghat
841210
Gohpur Bajrahia
841238
Goreakothi
841434
Govindapur
841507
Guthni
841435
Habibnagar
841226
Hahwa
841238
Hakam
841227
Hardia
841404
Harihans
841286
Harihar Pur lalgarh
841434
Hariharpur Kala
841434
Harnatar
841235
Harnathpur
841504
Harsardhanauti
841233
Hasanpura
841236
Hathura
841237
Hulesra
841408
Hussainganj
841237
Hussaipurnand
841406
Itwa Bartwalia
841241
Jagatpur
841406
Jagdishpur
841203
Jagdishpur Kothi
841245
Jaijore
841231
Jalalpur
841506
Jamuaon
841239
Jasauli
841241
Jigrawan
841238
Jiyan
841226
K.T.bharauli
841404
K.T.bharouli
841404
Kabirpur
841245
Kachnar
841210
Kaladumra
841439
Kandhpakar
841287
Kanhauli
841235
Karanpura
841506
Karsar
841504
Karsaut
841238
Kasdeora Bangra
841238
Kashila
841287
Kauria
841406
Keelpur
841245
Keotalia
841234
Khalishpur
841227
Khalwa
841245
Khawaspur
841416
Kherai
841231
Kherwa
841406
Khujhwa
841502
Kishunpura
841416
Koerigawan
841232
Kolhua
841233
Kothua Sarangpur
841238
Kpmishrauli
841245
Krishnapali
841234
Krom
841239
Kumhti
841235
Laheji
841233
Lakari
841416
Langarpura
841239
Lawa Rampur
841507
Laxmiganj
841439
Laxmiganj Sisai
841506
Lebhri
841239
Machakna
841237
Machuta
841233
Madhopur
841506
Mahmodpur
841232
Mahodipur
841226
Mahrajganj
841238
Mahuwal Mahal
841240
Mahuwari
841227
Mairwa
841239
Makariyar
841245
Mandrauli
841233
Mania
841245
Marachhi
841434
Markan
841226
Mathia
841235
Merhi
841240
Miyan Ke bhatkan
841245
Mohmda Bazar
841406
Molnapur
841406
Mora
841507
Murakhap
841235
Murena
841235
Mustfabad
841439
Nadiwan
841231
Nainpura
841241
Nand Pur amwari
841231
Nandamura
841203
Narhan
841504
Narianpur
841245
Nathuchhap
841227
Nautan
841245
Newari
841509
Noniapatti
841210
P.Harsar
841233
P.K.rampur
841507
Pachokhar
841245
Pachphera
841245
Pachrukhi
841241
Pakwalia
841238
Panjwar
841509
Papaur
841227
Parauli
841416
Partap Pur
841226
Pasnauli
841238
Patar
841502
Paterha
841242
Paterhi
841242
Pihuli
841287
Pipra
841244
Pipra Naryan
841506
Piprahiya
841245
Punak
841239
Purandarpur
841439
Rafipur
841286
Raghunathpur
841504
Rajanpura
841236
Rajapur
841238
Rajpur
841504
Ramgarh
841244
Ramnagar
841504
Rampur Ke tola
841236
Ramsapur
841233
Rasulpur
841244
Rasulpur Tilouta
841233
Ratanparauli
841242
Ratanpura
841506
Rishura
841238
Ruiyabangra
841245
Rukundipur
841238
S.S.factory
841226
Sadarpur
841232
Sadiha
841507
Safiabad
841416
Sahatwar
841439
Sahlaur
841227
Sahpur
841245
Sahrkola
841406
Sahsrawan
841408
Sahuli
841286
Saidpura
841439
Sani Basantpur
841439
Sanjalpur
841245
Santhi
841502
Sarari
841434
Sarauti
841241
Saraya Sah mohamd
841506
Sareyarampur
841234
Sarhrwa
841239
Sarif Jalalpur
841416
Sarsar
841226
Sarwe
841227
Satation Road
841226
Sekhpura
841406
Semaria
841245
Sematar
841239
Seotapur
841239
Shakara
841506
Shiopur Sakra
841245
Sikandrpur
841434
Siktia
841244
Singhauli
841507
Sirisia
841245
Sisahni
841245
Siswan Kala
841236
Siwan
841226
Siwan Chowk bazar
841226
Siwan Mission house
841227
Sohgra
841239
Sohilpatti
841406
Sonbarsa
841241
Sondhani
841408
Srikalpur
841435
Sughri
841406
Surwala
841227
Takipur
841244
Talli
841239
Tari
841509
Tariwani
841235
Tarwa
841226
Tarwaparsa
841240
Tarwara
841506
Telkathu
841286
Tenua
841435
Tethli
841232
Tetria
841226
Thepaha Bazar
841245
Titra
841245
Tiyan
841231
Trwa Parsia
841435
Ukhai
841227
Zeradei
841245