Indian musicians died at 61

Here are 13 famous musicians from India died at 61:

Ashok Mankad

Ashok Mankad (October 12, 1946 Mumbai-August 1, 2008) was an Indian personality.

He was a former Indian cricketer who played as an opening batsman for the Indian cricket team between 1969 and 1978. Mankad made his test debut against New Zealand in 1969 and went on to play 22 tests for India, scoring 991 runs at an average of 25.41.

He was also a successful coach and mentor, having trained many young cricketers at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. Mankad was known for his technical expertise and his ability to improve players' skills in all areas of the game.

In addition to his contributions to Indian cricket, Mankad was also a respected journalist and commentator, working for various media outlets throughout his career. He was a regular columnist for The Times of India and also worked as a commentator for ESPN Star Sports.

Mankad passed away on August 1, 2008, at the age of 61, due to a heart attack. He is remembered as one of India's finest opening batsmen and a cricketing visionary who devoted his life to the sport.

Born to a family of cricketers, Ashok Mankad's father Vinoo Mankad and uncle Madhav Manakd were both celebrated cricketers themselves. Ashok grew up in a cricketing environment and began playing cricket at a young age. He made his debut for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy in 1965-66 and soon caught the eye of selectors with his outstanding performances.

Apart from his cricketing career, Mankad was also interested in politics and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, from 1990 to 1996. He also worked with children, providing education and creating awareness about social issues through the NGO he founded, the Save Foundation.

Mankad's contributions to Indian cricket were recognised when he was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1972. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 2007.

Today, Ashok Mankad is remembered as a legendary cricketer and coach whose passion for the game inspired many young players.

Mankad was known for his distinct style of play, which involved playing with a high backlift and a straight bat. He was a reliable opening batsman for India, forming successful partnerships with legendary cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Sardesai. Mankad's highest test score was 97, and he scored his only test century in a tour match against Warwickshire in 1971.

After retiring from cricket, Mankad took up coaching and went on to become one of India's most respected coaches. He was appointed as the coach of the national team in 1991, and under his guidance, the team won the Nehru Cup in that year. Mankad also served as the director of coaching at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, where he mentored many young cricketers who went on to represent India at the international level.

Mankad's legacy in Indian cricket is further cemented by the fact that his son, Mihir Mankad, also represented India at the international level. Mankad's contribution to cricket was not limited to his playing and coaching career, as he was also involved in cricket administration. He served as the president of the Mumbai Cricket Association and played a key role in the development of cricket infrastructure in the city.

Despite his success and achievements, Mankad remained grounded and was widely respected for his humility and simplicity. He was a true icon of Indian cricket and his legacy continues to inspire young cricketers to this day.

Read more about Ashok Mankad on Wikipedia »

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (September 15, 1876 Bandel-January 16, 1938 Kolkata) otherwise known as Saratchandra Chatterjee, Sharat Chandra Chatterjee, Sharat Chandra Chatterji, Shôrotchôndro Chôţţopaddhae, Nyarha, Anila Devi, Sarat Chandra, Sharat Chandra, Late Sharadchandra Chatterjee, Late Shri Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Sharatchandra Chatterjee, Sarat Chandra Chatterji, Sharatchandra Chatterji, Saratchandra Chattoopadhyay, Saratchandra Chattopadhayay, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay, Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay, Saratchandra, Sharatchandra, Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay or Sarat ChandraChatterji was an Indian writer, novelist and screenwriter.

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay is one of the most prominent Indian writers of the early 20th century. He wrote in Bengali and is known for his realistic and compassionate portrayal of the lives of ordinary people from rural Bengal. Many of his novels and stories have been adapted into films, plays and television series.

Some of his most famous novels include "Devdas", "Parineeta", "Chhoti Bahu", "Datta", "Nishkriti", "Srikanta" and "Charitraheen". His works often dealt with themes such as the struggle of women to assert their independence, the evils of caste system, and the impact of poverty on the lives of ordinary people.

Despite being a prolific writer, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay faced financial difficulties throughout his life. He had to support his family through various odd jobs and never achieved financial stability. He also faced criticism from some quarters for his portrayal of sensitive and taboo subjects.

Despite these hurdles, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers alike, and he is remembered as a pioneer of modern Indian literature.

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was born into a Brahmin family in the village of Debanandapur in the Hooghly district of Bengal. His father, Motilal Chattopadhyay, was a clerk in the local government office, while his mother, Bhubanmohini Devi, was a homemaker. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was the second of their nine children.

At the age of six, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay moved to Bhagalpur with his parents where his father had been transferred. He completed his education in Bhagalpur, and it was here that he developed an interest in literature. After completing his studies, he moved back to Bengal and started writing.

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's early works were published in various magazines and newspapers, and his first novel, "Baikunther Will", was published in 1916. His works gained popularity among readers, and he became known for his realistic portrayal of rural Bengal and the lives of its people.

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's works have been translated into several languages, including English, and have won him accolades from around the world. He is considered to be one of the greatest writers of Indian literature and has been compared to other notable Indian writers such as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Rabindranath Tagore.

In addition to his literary works, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay also wrote screenplays for films, including the 1935 film adaptation of his novel "Devdas". He is also known for his involvement in the Indian independence movement and his support for the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

Despite facing financial difficulties throughout his life, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay remained committed to his writing and continued to produce works until his death. He was known for his simple yet powerful prose that explored complex themes and emotions with great sensitivity. In addition to his literary contributions, he was also a social reformer who championed the cause of women's rights and spoke out against the caste system in India.

Today, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay is widely regarded as a literary giant and his works continue to be celebrated across India and the world. His thoughtful and nuanced portrayals of rural life, particularly the lives of women, have left an indelible mark on Indian literature and culture. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers, making him one of the most important literary figures of the modern era.

He died as a result of liver cancer.

Read more about Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay on Wikipedia »

Jaishankar

Jaishankar (July 12, 1938 Chennai-June 3, 2000 Chennai) a.k.a. Jai Shanker, Jay Shankar, Jaishanker, Subramaniam Shankar, Jai Shankar, Thennagathu James Bond, South Indian James Bond, Friday star, Jayashanker, Jayashankar, Makkal Kalingnar Jaishankar or Jai Sankar was an Indian actor and philanthropist. He had one child, Dr.Vijay Shankar.

Jaishankar began his film career in 1959 with the Tamil film "Irumbu Thirai". He went on to act in more than 350 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi languages. He was known for his roles in the James Bond-inspired films in the 1960s and 1970s. He was also a trained classical dancer and had won several awards for his performances. He was a philanthropist and was involved in several social causes. He supported education and helped fund the education of many underprivileged children. He was also a sports enthusiast and had represented his college in football and cricket. Even after his death, his charity organization, Jaishankar Centre, continues to support various social causes.

Jaishankar was born in Chennai and completed his education in the same city. He was passionate about acting and dancing from a young age and had even won several awards for his performances in college cultural festivals. After completing his diploma in Mechanical Engineering, he started working in a private firm but continued to pursue his passion for acting.

Jaishankar's breakthrough role came in 1966 with the film "Galatta Kalyanam" which was a remake of the Hindi film "Phool Aur Patthar". His portrayal of a tough and fearless hero in the film won him critical acclaim and established him as a leading actor in the Tamil film industry. He went on to act in many successful films like "Vasanthi", "Deiva Magan", "Kaadhalikka Neramillai", "Billa", and "Aval Oru Thodarkathai".

Jaishankar was also a fitness enthusiast and had a well-toned physique. He was one of the few actors in the 1960s and 1970s who performed his own stunts in films. He was a trendsetter in terms of fashion and style and was known for his unique hairstyles and outfits.

Apart from acting, Jaishankar was a philanthropist and had supported many social causes. He was actively involved in charity work and had contributed towards the education and welfare of underprivileged children. He was also passionate about sports and had actively participated in college-level football and cricket tournaments.

Jaishankar's contribution to the Indian film industry was immense and he remains one of the most loved actors of his time. His legacy continues through his charity organization, which continues to support various social causes.

Jaishankar's impact was not limited to just the film industry. He was also a prominent member of the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu and was actively involved in student politics during his college days. He was a supporter of the Justice Party and later, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

In addition to his acting career, Jaishankar was also a successful businessman. He owned several properties and was involved in the real estate and construction industries.

Jaishankar was married to Vijayalakshmi, who was also an actress. They had one son, Dr. Vijay Shankar, who is a neurologist and practices medicine in the United States.

Even today, Jaishankar remains an inspiration to many aspiring actors and his performances continue to entertain audiences. His contributions to the film industry and society as a whole have earned him a special place in the hearts of the people of Tamil Nadu.

He died in myocardial infarction.

Read more about Jaishankar on Wikipedia »

Chhabi Biswas

Chhabi Biswas (July 12, 1900 Kolkata-June 11, 1962 Kolkata) also known as Sachindranath Biswas, Chhabi, Chabi Biswas, Chhobi Bishshash or Late Chhabi Biswas was an Indian actor and film director.

Chhabi Biswas was well known for his roles in Satyajit Ray's films, such as "Charulata," "Jalsaghar," and "Devi". He was also a versatile actor, having played a range of characters in Hindi and Bengali films. Besides acting, Chhabi Biswas also dabbled in film direction and was the director of the film "Tin Kanya" which was released in 1961. He received several awards and accolades during his career, including the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in "Abhijaan". Chhabi Biswas was also a trained classical music singer and had a keen interest in poetry. He was married to Sita Devi and they had two children together.

Chhabi Biswas was the son of the famous theater personality Naresh Narayan Biswas. He started his acting career with the theater group "Natyaanan" in Kolkata in the 1920s. He made his film debut in 1934 with the Bengali film "Daughters of This Century". He went on to act in over 200 films in a career spanning three decades. Some of his notable performances include his portrayal of the strict patriarch in the film "Mahanagar" (1963) and the role of the village headman in "Kanchenjungha" (1962). Chhabi Biswas was also a member of the Indian People's Theater Association and was actively involved in theater activities. He remains one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema and his contribution to Bengali and Hindi cinema is immense. His legacy continues to live on through his memorable performances and his influence on future generations of actors.

Chhabi Biswas was known for his impeccable acting skills and his ability to convey different emotions through his performances. He was a natural onscreen presence and had the ability to captivate audiences with his nuanced portrayals of various characters. Chhabi Biswas was a versatile actor who effortlessly played roles in different genres, including drama, comedy, and romance.

Apart from acting, Chhabi Biswas was a man of many talents. He had a keen interest in literature and was an avid reader. He was also a poet and wrote several poems in his free time. In addition to this, he was a trained classical music singer and had a deep understanding of Indian classical music.

Chhabi Biswas's contribution to Indian cinema is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire young actors even today. He has left a lasting impact on the world of cinema, and his performances are still revered by audiences and filmmakers alike. His remarkable life and career continue to be celebrated even after his death, making him one of the most iconic actors in the history of Indian cinema.

He died caused by traffic collision.

Read more about Chhabi Biswas on Wikipedia »

Daasarathi Krishnamacharyulu

Daasarathi Krishnamacharyulu (July 22, 1925 Warangal-April 5, 1987) also known as Daasarathi Krishnamacharyulu or Dasaradhi was an Indian writer, lyricist and poet.

He was widely known for his works in Telugu literature and was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1977 for his contributions to the field of literature. Dasaradhi was also a prominent political activist and played a significant role in the Telangana movement. He began his literary career as a playwright in the 1950s and went on to write several notable works in various genres, including poetry, novels, and essays. His literary style was marked by a strong social consciousness, and his works reflected his deep commitment to social justice and equality. Dasaradhi was also a well-known lyricist in the Telugu film industry and wrote over 300 songs for more than 100 films. His contributions to Telugu literature and his commitment to social causes continue to inspire generations of writers and activists in India.

One of Dasaradhi's most well-known works is the novel "Nirjana Vaanam," which was published in 1965. The novel explores the themes of social inequality, the displacement of peasants, and the struggle for justice. Another notable work by Dasaradhi is the book "Samagra Andhra Sahityam," which is an anthology of Telugu literature. Dasaradhi also played a significant role in the development of the Telugu language and was instrumental in the standardization of Telugu script. He worked closely with the Andhra Pradesh government to promote the use of Telugu in official documents and in the education system. Dasaradhi's contributions to Telugu literature and social activism have left a lasting legacy, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of the 20th century in India.

In addition to his literary and political accomplishments, Dasaradhi also played a key role in cultural affairs. He was a founding member of the famed Telugu Academy in Hyderabad, which sought to promote and preserve Telugu language and literature. He also served as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Akademi, an organization dedicated to the promotion of literature in the Telugu language. Dasaradhi's contributions to Telugu literature were so significant that he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian awards in India, in 1999. The legacy of Dasaradhi continues to inspire Telugu writers and activists, and his work remains a vital part of the Indian literary canon.

Read more about Daasarathi Krishnamacharyulu on Wikipedia »

Gerald Aste

Gerald Aste (July 30, 1900 Beckenham-September 17, 1961 Salisbury) was an Indian personality.

Gerald Aste was actually a British colonial administrator in India during the 20th century. He served as the Chief Commissioner of Delhi during India’s transition from British colonial rule to independence. He was known for his efforts to modernize and develop the capital city and for his work in improving public services such as sanitation, transportation, and education. Aste was also a strong advocate for India’s independence and was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for his contributions to the country. After retiring from public service, he settled in Salisbury, England, where he passed away in 1961.

Aste started his career as a civil servant in 1924 and served in various administrative roles in British India. He played a crucial role in the rehabilitation of Delhi after the city was ravaged by communal violence during the Partition of India in 1947. Aste was also actively involved in the reconstruction of the city's monuments, including the iconic Red Fort and the Jama Masjid.

Aside from his public service, Aste was also a keen historian and wrote extensively on Indian culture and history. He authored several books, including "Indian Architecture: Islamic Period," which remains a seminal work in the field. Aste was a respected scholar and was invited to give lectures on Indian art and culture at various international institutions.

Aste's legacy continues to be celebrated in India, with a street in New Delhi named after him. His contributions to the development of the country, especially during the crucial years of its transition to independence, are still acknowledged by many.

Aste faced many challenges during his tenure as Chief Commissioner of Delhi, including navigating the complexities of Indian politics and managing the aftermath of the devastating Partition riots. Despite these challenges, Aste remained committed to improving the lives of Delhi's citizens and worked tirelessly to implement policies that would modernize the city and enhance its infrastructure.

In addition to his professional achievements, Aste was also known for his personal integrity and kindness. He was widely respected by his colleagues and was admired for his unwavering dedication to public service.

Today, Aste is remembered as a key figure in India's transition to independence and as a pioneering administrator who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people he served. His contributions to Indian culture and history continue to be studied and celebrated, and his legacy serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to public service.

Read more about Gerald Aste on Wikipedia »

Vinoo Mankad

Vinoo Mankad (April 12, 1917 Jamnagar-August 21, 1978 Mumbai) was an Indian personality.

Mankad was a prominent cricketer who played for India from 1946 to 1959. He was a left-handed opening batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He played in 44 Test matches and scored 2,109 runs, including five centuries, and took 162 wickets. He is best known for the record he set in 1952 in a test match against England where he took 8 wickets and 4 run outs. This feat is now known as a "Mankad" in cricket terminology.

Apart from his cricketing career, Mankad was also a coach and served as the national coach of the Indian team in the 1960s. He was a trained lawyer and served as the Sheriff of Mumbai in 1975. Mankad was honored with the Padma Shri in 1960 for his contributions to Indian cricket. He passed away on August 21, 1978, in Mumbai at the age of 61.

In addition to his cricketing accolades, Vinoo Mankad was also known for his strong leadership qualities. He captained the Indian cricket team in five Test matches and was considered one of the finest captains in Indian cricket history. Mankad also played first-class cricket for Bombay and represented the team in the Ranji Trophy for several seasons. Off the field, he was known for his humble and gracious nature, and was greatly respected by both his peers and opponents. Mankad's contribution to Indian cricket was recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who named the domestic premier one-day tournament after him - the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Mankad's legacy lives on in Indian cricket, as he is still considered one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of Indian cricket. His record of taking 162 wickets remained unbroken for almost 20 years, until it was surpassed by Bishan Singh Bedi in 1976. Mankad's son, Ashok Mankad, also played for India and went on to become a well-respected cricket administrator. In addition, Mankad's grandson, Mihir, also represents Gujarat in domestic cricket. The Vinoo Mankad Trophy, which is a multi-day inter-state competition for under-19 boys, is named after him. Mankad's contribution to Indian cricket is celebrated to this day, and he continues to be an inspiration for aspiring cricketers in India.

Read more about Vinoo Mankad on Wikipedia »

G. M. C. Balayogi

G. M. C. Balayogi (October 1, 1940 India-March 3, 2002 Kaikaluru) was an Indian politician.

Balayogi served as the 12th Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament. He was also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and represented the Amalapuram constituency of Andhra Pradesh in the Lok Sabha for three consecutive terms. Balayogi was known for his oratory skills and his contributions towards the development of his constituency. In addition to his political career, Balayogi was also a lawyer and a social worker, actively involved in various charitable organizations. He is remembered for his dedication and service to the people of his constituency and the country as a whole.

Balayogi grew up in a family of farmers in Kaikaluru, Andhra Pradesh. He completed his early education in his hometown and studied law at the Andhra University in Visakhapatnam. After completing his studies, Balayogi started practicing law in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh. He later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and contested the Amalapuram Lok Sabha seat in the 1991 elections, which he won with a comfortable margin. Balayogi went on to win the seat two more times in the 1996 and 1998 elections.

As the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Balayogi played a key role in enhancing the dignity and prestige of the House. He introduced several procedural and administrative reforms to make the functioning of the House more efficient and transparent. Balayogi was also instrumental in setting up the parliamentary library and the museum in the Parliament House complex.

Balayogi was a philanthropist and a social worker who worked towards the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of society. He was associated with several charitable organizations and was actively involved in providing educational and healthcare facilities to the people of his constituency.

Balayogi's death in a helicopter crash on March 3, 2002, was a great loss to the nation. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to public life.

Balayogi’s legacy also extended to his efforts towards improving the infrastructure and amenities in his constituency. He was known for initiating various development projects, such as building hospitals, schools, and dams, and improving irrigation facilities to boost agriculture in the region. His dedication to social welfare led to the establishment of the Balayogi Gurukulam, an educational institution that provides free education to underprivileged children.

Balayogi’s leadership style was marked by a collaborative and inclusive approach. He often engaged with members of different political parties and ideologies to bring about consensus on important issues in the Lok Sabha. His impartiality and fair-mindedness earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.

After his untimely demise, the government of Andhra Pradesh established the G. M. C. Balayogi Trust to continue his philanthropic legacy. The trust works towards providing education, healthcare, and other basic amenities to the poor and marginalized sections of society.

Overall, G. M. C. Balayogi was a respected leader, a committed public servant, and a compassionate human being who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people around him. His contributions to Indian politics and society will continue to be remembered and revered for generations to come.

He died caused by helicopter crash.

Read more about G. M. C. Balayogi on Wikipedia »

Amir Khan

Amir Khan (August 15, 1912 Indore-February 13, 1974 Kolkata) also known as Khan, Amir, Ustad or Ustad Amir Khan was an Indian singer. He had one child, Shahbaaz Khan.

His albums: The Great Heritage: Ustad Amir Khan, , A Life in Music and . His related genres: Hindustani classical music, Tarana and Khyal.

Read more about Amir Khan on Wikipedia »

Sudarshan Akarapu

Sudarshan Akarapu (March 5, 1954-April 5, 2015) was an Indian politician.

He served as a member of the Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly from 1985 to 1999 and was also a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2002 to 2008. Akarapu played a crucial role in the development of his constituency and was known for his efforts to improve the lives of the people there. He was a staunch supporter of his party's policies and was greatly respected by his colleagues. In addition to his political career, Akarapu was also a well-known social activist and philanthropist who dedicated his life to helping the underprivileged. He was deeply involved in various social and cultural activities and was admired for his kindness and generosity. Akarapu's untimely death was a great loss to the political and social circles of Andhra Pradesh, and he will always be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the state's development.

Akarapu was born and raised in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. He completed his education from a local school and later pursued a degree in law from a reputed college. After completing his education, he entered politics and joined the regional party, Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He was known for his exceptional oratory skills and was considered a strong voice of the party.

During his tenure as a member of the legislative assembly, Akarapu initiated several development projects in his constituency, including the establishment of schools, hospitals, and roads. He also actively participated in debates in the assembly, representing the interests of his constituency and the state as a whole.

Akarapu was a firm believer in the power of education and worked tirelessly to promote literacy and education among the people, especially women and children. He also founded several charitable organizations and actively participated in social service activities such as organizing blood donation camps and distributing free medicines to the needy.

Apart from his political and social activities, Akarapu had a keen interest in literature and was known for his love for Telugu literature. He was also an avid sports enthusiast and encouraged young talent in various sports.

Akarapu's death in 2015 was mourned by his party members, political rivals, and the people of Andhra Pradesh. Even after his demise, his legacy continued to inspire young politicians and social activists in the state.

During his political career, Akarapu also held various significant positions in the government. He served as the Minister for Rural Development in Andhra Pradesh from 1995 to 1996 and later as a member of the National Integration Council from 2004 to 2008. In addition, he was also a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development and the Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.

Akarapu's contributions to the society and the state did not go unnoticed. He was honored with numerous awards and recognition for his outstanding service in the field of politics and social work. Some of these included the Venukaiah Chowdary Memorial Award, the Andhra Ratna Award, and the Mother Teresa Sadbhavana Award.

Throughout his career, Akarapu remained committed to serving the people of his constituency and the state with utmost dedication and sincerity. His selfless service and dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the political and social landscape of Andhra Pradesh.

Read more about Sudarshan Akarapu on Wikipedia »

Zia Mohiuddin Dagar

Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (March 14, 1929 Udaipur-September 28, 1990) also known as Zia Mohiyuddin Dagar, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar or Dagar, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin was an Indian singer and musician. He had one child, Bahauddin Dagar.

His albums: Raga Shudda Todi, Raga Yaman, Auvidis, , , , and . Genres he performed include Dhrupad and Indian classical music.

Read more about Zia Mohiuddin Dagar on Wikipedia »

Prabhakar Christopher Benjamin Balaram

Prabhakar Christopher Benjamin Balaram (July 10, 1906 India-April 5, 1968) was an Indian personality.

Prabhakar Christopher Benjamin Balaram was an Indian politician, social worker and freedom fighter who played a prominent role in India's struggle for independence against the British Raj. He was born on July 10th, 1906 in India and was known for his commitment and dedication towards the betterment of society. Balaram was one of the prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress and played an active role in the Quit India Movement of 1942. He spent many years fighting for the rights of the underprivileged and oppressed classes in society. His efforts for the upliftment of the marginalized communities earned him great respect from the people of India. Apart from his political career, Balaram was actively involved in social work and has contributed immensely to the development of the education sector in India. He passed away on April 5th, 1968 due to a heart attack. His legacy lives on as a great leader and social reformer who dedicated his life to serving the people of India.

Balaram was born in the city of Madras (now Chennai) and spent his early years in India. He completed his education at the University of Madras and later pursued law at the prestigious Middle Temple in London. Upon returning to India, he joined the Indian National Congress and began his political career.

Balaram was a vocal advocate for India's independence and was one of the leaders of the Quit India Movement of 1942. He was arrested by the British authorities and spent several years in prison. However, this did not deter him from his goal of creating a free and equal society for all Indians.

After India gained independence in 1947, Balaram continued his work in politics and social reform. He served as the Minister of Education in the Indian state of Madras and played a key role in the development of the education sector in the state. He also served as a member of the Indian Parliament and was known for his pro-poor policies and commitment to social justice.

In addition to his political career, Balaram was actively involved in social work. He worked for the upliftment of underprivileged communities and was instrumental in establishing several educational institutions in India. His contributions to the field of education have earned him the nickname "Father of Modern Education" in southern India.

Balaram's life and work continue to inspire people in India and around the world. He remains a role model for those who strive to create a more equal and just society.

Balaram's dedication to social work was not limited to education alone. He also worked tirelessly to improve healthcare in India, especially in rural areas. He established several hospitals and clinics in underprivileged communities, providing much-needed medical care to those who couldn't afford it. Balaram was a champion for the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society, and his work for their upliftment earned him widespread respect and admiration. Balaram's legacy as a freedom fighter, social reformer, and politician continues to inspire generations of Indians to work for the betterment of society.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Read more about Prabhakar Christopher Benjamin Balaram on Wikipedia »

Yadavindra Singh

Yadavindra Singh (January 17, 1913 India-June 17, 1974) also known as Yuvraj of Patiala or Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was an Indian personality.

He was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Patiala, which is located in present-day Punjab, India. He succeeded his father, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, in 1938, and ruled until the state was merged with the Indian Union in 1948.

During his reign, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was known for his love of sports, particularly cricket and athletics. In fact, he was a talented cricketer himself and played for the state of Patiala in various tournaments. He also supported other sports and established several institutions for the promotion of games and sports in the region.

After India became independent in 1947, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh served as the first chancellor of Punjabi University in Patiala. He was also appointed as the governor of the state of Madras (now Tamil Nadu) in 1949, and later as the governor of the state of Rajasthan in 1952.

In addition to his contributions to sports and education, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was also known for his philanthropic work. He established several hospitals, schools, and other institutions for the welfare of the people of the state.

Overall, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was a significant figure in the history of India, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in his home state of Punjab.

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh's contributions to sports extended beyond just promoting them. He was also known for his efforts in organizing sporting events in the region. He played a key role in organizing the 1946 Indian Olympic Games in Patiala and was also the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 1960 to 1963. His efforts towards sports were widely recognized, and in 1961, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, which is the third-highest civilian award in India. Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was also a skilled polo player and represented India in several international tournaments. He was a keen collector of art, and his personal art collection included pieces from renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Abanindranath Tagore. In addition to his personal interests, he was also actively involved in politics and served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the Indian Constitution. Maharaja Yadavindra Singh passed away in 1974 at the age of 61, but his contributions to sports, education, and philanthropy continue to inspire people today.

During his time as the governor of the state of Madras, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was known for his efforts to promote education and healthcare in the region. He established several schools and hospitals in rural areas to improve the quality of life for the people living there. His initiatives in the field of education led to the establishment of the Madras Institute of Technology, which is now known as the Anna University of Technology.

In addition to his many accomplishments, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh was also a respected member of society, known for his humility and compassion for others. He was beloved by the people of Patiala, who remember him as a generous and kind-hearted leader who always put their needs first. Today, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Memorial Cricket Tournament is held annually in his honor in Patiala, and his legacy continues to inspire people across India.

Read more about Yadavindra Singh on Wikipedia »

Related articles