Panjabrao Deshmukh
Krishi Ratna Panjabrao Deshmukh | |
---|---|
Member of Parliament of Amravati | |
In office 17 April 1952 – 10 April 1965 | |
Succeeded by | Vimalabai Deshmukh |
Personal details | |
Born | British India (now in Maharashtra, India) | 27 December 1898
Died | 10 April 1965 Delhi, India | (aged 66)
Spouse | Vimalabai Deshmukh |
Profession | Lawyer |
Panjabrao Shamrao Deshmukh (27 December 1898 – 10 April 1965), also known as Bhausaheb Deshmukh was a social activist and a leader to farmers in India. He was the Minister of Agriculture in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952.[1]
Early life
He was born into
At that time, higher education was not available in India. Many students traveled to England for further education. He wanted to be a
Social activities
He studied under
His marriage ceremony was simple and held in Mumbai. After the marriage ceremony, when he reached Amravati, his friends convinced Deshmukh to give a party. He held a small dinner party for them. The meal was served by youths wearing white. After dinner Bhausaheb stated that the servers were untouchables (violating the prohibition). Many such events were conducted by Dr. Deshmukh to remove untouchability from our society.
Educational activist
In 1931 he established
Politics
He was elected thrice for the
Leader of peasants
He dedicated his talent and energy for the formulation and implementation of the policies that would bring prosperity to agriculture and the agriculturist. He established the Bharat Krishak Samaj and launched a campaign called Food for Millions in 1955. He introduced the Japanese method of rice cultivation in 1958 and organized the World Agriculture Fair in 1959. The fair was visited by dignitaries across the world, including US President
He started the process of establishing agricultural universities across the country and supported agricultural education and research.[2]
Lawyer
He appeared for poor peasants in many cases at the district court of Amravati. His most predominant case was British Government vs. Azad Hind Sena, in which he assisted Jawaharlal Nehru.
Legacy
Dr. Deshmukh died on 10 April 1965 at Delhi. He was survived by his wife Vimalabai Deshmukh and one son.
References
- ^ a b c "Life-sketch of Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh". shivajiedusocamt.org. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
- ^ a b c d "A great Philanthropist of Vidarbha Region". Shivaji Education Society. Retrieved 21 January 2009.