Every year on December 3rd, India celebrates Advocates' Day to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India and a distinguished lawyer.

This occasion unites labor officials, representatives, public and private sector managers, and labor relations experts from across the country, who come together to discuss key national and regional issues through insightful speeches and discussions.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, born on December 3, 1884, in Zeradei, Bihar, was not only the first President of independent India but also a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. He played an important role as a leader of the Congress Party and as President of the Constituent Assembly that drafted India’s Constitution from 1948 to 1950. His contributions extended to briefly serving as a Cabinet Minister in the first Government of Independent India.

Dr. Prasad's early life was shaped by his scholarly family—his father, Mahadev Sahai, was a scholar of Persian and Sanskrit, while his mother, Kamleshwari Devi, was a devout woman. At the age of 12, Dr. Prasad married Rajvanshi Devi. A determined student, he completed his Master’s in Law with honors in 1915, receiving a Gold Medal, and went on to earn his Doctorate in Law. His legal career began in Bhagalpur, Bihar, where he became a highly respected figure in the local legal and intellectual circles.

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's unwavering commitment to the nation, Dr. Prasad left his post as a Senator of the University in 1921 to join the freedom struggle. His leadership skills were further demonstrated when he was elected President of the Indian National Congress during the 1934 Bombay session, where he actively contributed to advancing its objectives.

After India gained independence, Dr. Prasad was elected the first President of India, setting many important precedents for the office. Though initially independent in his decisions, especially regarding constitutional prerogatives, he eventually moderated his stance, particularly during the debate over the Hindu Code Bill. In 1962, after serving 12 years as President, Dr. Prasad announced his decision to retire, passing the baton to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1962, a distinction he had established in 1954.

Advocates' Day serves as a tribute to Dr. Rajendra Prasad's immense contributions to the nation and to the legal community. His legacy continues to inspire lawyers and legal professionals across India, reminding them of their role in upholding justice and the law.