Rajendra Prasad's account still active

At a time when politicians do not shy away from flaunting their assets, a bank in Patna is proud of a savings account with a balance of just Rs 1,432 that remains active four decades after the death of its holder - the country's first President Rajendra Prasad.When he died 44 years ago, the branch of the Punjab National Bank in Patna did not close the account.They have kept it active as a testimony of Rajendra Prasad's simple lifestyle and also for sentimental reasons.''We chose not to close the account even after Rajendra Babu's death as a mark of respect for the great son of India and Bihar. Moreover, nobody from his family approached us to claim it. Small though it may be, it is a matter of pride for us,'' said S K Sinha, Senior Manager, Punjab National Bank, Patna.After Prasad's term as president expired, he moved from the Rashtrapati Bhawan to Sadaqat Ashram, the Congress state headquarters in Patna.That is where he stayed till his death on February 28, 1963.Since no one from his family has claimed the balance in the bank account so far, the Rajendra Culture Center, a small museum of the former president's personal possessions, wants the bank to continue the account.''He had only Rs 1400 at the time of his death. Today's leaders have crores of rupees in their bank accounts,'' said Sachiv Rajendra, official, Rajendra Culture Centre.At a time when the president's salary may soon be doubled to one lakh a month, this bank balance of fourteen hundred odd rupees is a reminder of the austere beginnings of the president's post.