Former Indian president and independence activist Rajendra Prasad died on February 28, 1963, at the age of 78. Prasad was born in 1884 in the British-administered territory of Bihar and became involved in the Indian independence movement early on, serving as president of the Indian National Congress in 1934. He was elected president of independent India in 1950 and served until 1962. Prasad is regarded as one of the country's most influential and beloved leaders, credited with helping to solidify India's democracy and promoting economic development. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1957.