Patna: Governor of Bihar, Arif Mohammad Khan, launched the English biography of India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, titled “The House of Truth”, authored by Dr. Mangalmurti, at a dignified ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. The event was organized under the joint auspices of Acharya Shivpujan Sahay Memorial Trust and Bihar Vidyapeeth.
In his address, the Governor lauded Dr. Rajendra Prasad as a “saint of truth” (Sadaqat ke Sant), who truly embodied Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of patriotism, service, and rural upliftment. Emphasizing the significance of the book’s title, the Governor highlighted Rajendra Babu’s long and meaningful association with Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. He remarked, “The House of Truth—a direct English translation of Sadaqat Ashram—is perhaps the most fitting title to define his life and character.”
The Governor noted that while many have read Dr. Prasad’s Hindi autobiography, it ends in 1946. This new biography extends beyond independence, covering his pivotal role as Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and his twelve-year tenure as President of India from 1950 to 1962. “This is an important contribution,” said the Governor, “and I congratulate Dr. Mangalmurti for bringing it to life.”
Dr. Mangalmurti, in his author’s note, recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s powerful words: “Without Rajendra Babu, I could not take a single step forward.” He added that Gandhi never spoke so highly of any other associate.
Quoting Acharya Shivpujan Sahay, the editor of Rajendra Babu’s Hindi autobiography, the biography was described as a “glorious work in Hindi literature”, likening Rajendra Babu’s life to “pure cotton—clean and radiant.”
The event began with the national song and ceremonial lamp lighting. Vijay Prakash, President of Bihar Vidyapeeth and Executive Chairman of the Trust, welcomed the Governor and presented him with a copy of the biography along with books by Shivpujan Sahay. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Padma Shri Bimal Kumar Jain. The stage was anchored by Shweta Suman.
