Nanabhai Bhatt (Lokbharti)
| Nrusinhprasad Kalidas Bhatt | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 November 1882 Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India |
| Died | 31 December 1961 Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India |
| Known for | Education, Reforms, Rural Welfare, Dakshinamurti, Lokbharti |
Eminent educationist, thinker, freedom fighter and a creative writer, born as Nrusinhprasad Kalidas Bhatt, at Bhavnagar on 11 November 1882, later known as Nanabhai Bhatt, Nanabhai was a contemporary and one of the famous trinity of Bhavnagar with Gijubhai Badheka and Harbhai Trivedi who have left great inspiration and vision in the fields of innovative education, rural welfare and children's education in India. Nanabhai Bhatt has been the founder of prestigious and unique educational institutions such as Dakshinamurti Vidyarthi Bhavan / Dakshinamurti Vinay Mandir - Bhavnagar, Gram Dakshinamurti - Ambala, and, Lokbharti, situated at Sanosara in Sihor block, Bhavnagar.
After completing M.A. from Shamaldas Arts College, Bhavnagar, he signified various posts and positions starting with as a Principal at a High School in Mahuva, Bhavnagar, followed by as a Professor in Shamaldas College itself at Bhavnagar. It was the crucial phase between 1908-1915 where the unique concept and fulfillment of Dakshinamurti Vidhyarthi Bhavan, a residential educational institute was gradually accomplished to perfection, where the institute got established in the year 1910 already.
Nanabhai Bhatt were a great thinker and reformist. His vision, innovations and contribution towards the cause of Education attracted the position of Vice Chancellor at Gujarat Vidyapith and he served the Vidyapith during 1925-28 as Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith. And Nanabhai's endeavors and services did not rest. In 1938, he extended to establish Gram Dakshinamurti an Institute of Basic Education at Ambala, Block - Sihor, particularly targeting Education in Rural areas.
Because of his distinguished services and contribution, he became Minister of Education in Saurashtra state, in 1948. And then again, a significant foundation was laid down, and it was in form of Lok Bharti Gram Vidhyapith at Sanosara, in 1953. Lokbharti, Sanosara is considered a revolutionary University for villagers. It is unique and innovative concept in India, very first since then and it is about passion and dedication wrought up. Lokbharti has inherited the vision and message of Mahatma Gandhi of strong and self-sufficient rural India.
Nanabhai virtually devoted his entire life for the welfare of rural community and education. He wrote and published several books and publications from 1920 to 1959, focusing Education, Religion, Humanity, Social Science, History, Self Help and Character Development. But significantly he remained an active 'Satyagrahi' and a freedom fighter for Indian independence movement and he went to jail for several times for his involvement the same. According to famous Gujarati writer Manubhai Pancholi, Nanabhai Bhatt also had a good knowledge about ancient Indian literature Upnishads. Remained nominated Member of Rajya Sabha during 1954-57, Nanabhai Bhatt were awarded Padma Shri in 1960 for "Social Work". For more on the list of Padma Shri recipient of 1960-1969, please see Padma Shri Awards (1960–1969). Leaving a lasting social impact and inspiration for future generations, he expired on 31 December 1961.
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