Sri Krishna Sinha

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Sri Krishna Sinha (Singh) (1887–1961), known as Bihar Kesari, was the first Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar (1946–1961).

[edit] Freedom struggle

'Bihar Kesari' Dr. Sri Krishna Singh (popularly known as 'Sri Babu') was born on 21 October 1887 in village 'Maur' in Munger (earlier name Monghyr) district now its become Sheikhpura District. He got his early education in his village school, and later in Zila School, Monghyr, where he gradually emerged as promising student leader. At Monghyr, by the Ganges, he vowed to work relentlessly to free India from the British rule. Dr. Sri Krishna completed his education in Patna University. He started practising law in 1915, but gave it up in 1921 to take active part in Mahatma Gandhi's non co-operation movement . As the echoes of his voice spread around Bihar, people began calling him 'Bihar Kesari'.

Sri Krishna Singh first went to jail in 1922. He underwent different terms of imprisonment for a total of about eight years. In 1930, Sri Babu played an important role in 'Namak Satyagrah' at Garhpura. During arrest he suffered severe scalding injuries to his hands and chest.

As the Chief Minister, Dr. Sri Krishna Singh served Bihar continuously from 1946 to 1961. He was always interested in self study and his ideas and speeches were noted for their wisdom. He was a staunch opponent of casteism and always rose in defence of the oppressed, the backward and Under the Government of India Act of 1935, Sri Babu as he was affectionately called, formed his Cabinet at Patna on 20th July, 1937. He disagreed with the Governor on the issue of the release of political prisoners and resigned. The Governor had to give in and he resumed his office. But he again resigned in 1939, as did all Congress CMs, over the question of involving India in the Second World War without the consent of the Indian people. Along with his close colleague in Mahatma Gandhi's non co-operation movement Bihar Bibhuti Anugrah Narayan Sinha,a prominent Gandhian and the first Finance Minister of Bihar, he is considered one of the makers of modern Bihar.Impressed by this courage of Dr. Sinha, Mahatma Gandhi in 1940 awarded him the distinction of being called ' the first Satyagrahi' of Bihar.

Dr. Singh served Bihar continuously from 1946 till his death on 31st January, 1961.