The first President of India was Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He served as the President from January 26, 1950, when India became a republic, until May 13, 1962. He was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, a lawyer, scholar, and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Dr. Prasad was the only president to serve two full terms and held office for the longest duration of about 12 years. He was known for establishing the tradition of non- partisanship and independence for the office of the President in India