B. D. Sharma

Bhagwat Dayal Sharma (1918–1993), popularly known as Panditji, was the first Chief Minister of Haryana of Independent India. He was Governor of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh from 30 April 1980 to 14 May 1984.^[1]

He was born at Beri (a sub-division in Haryana) on 26 January 1918. Bansi Lal, Bhajan Lal and many other noted politicians learned politics under his guidance.

Personal life

Sharma married Savitri Devi and they had six children; three sons and three daughters. His eldest son Rajesh Sharma remained Sports Minister of Haryana and Deputy Chairman of Planning Board of Haryana. After his wife Savitri's death, Panditji built, in her memory, "Savitri Nikunj", an exotic garden, with indigenous and rare plants and trees, at Raj Bhawan of Bhopal.

Independence movement and political career

• Participated in the freedom struggle from 1941-46
• Awarded jail for 1 year in 1941
• Awarded jail for 3.5 years in 1942
• Member of Indian labourers delegation to ILO (Geneva) in 1957 and 1958
• All-India Trade Union Congress (Punjab HP, J & K) Secretary and President in 1959-61
• Member of Punjab Legislative Assembly and Minister of State for Labour and Cooperatives from 1962-66
• Chief Minister of Haryana in 1966-67
• Rajya Sabha member from 1968-74
• Appointed Orissa Governor in 1977
• Patron of many social and cultural institutions of Orissa
• Actively involved in administrative committee of Jagannath temple
• Transferred to Madhya Pradesh since Orissa climate didn't suit his health.
• For development of tourism in Orissa, he had suggested to the Government of Orissa for conversion of Puri Raj Bhavan to a Posh Hotel for international tourists with facilities for Golf, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court and big hall for holding conferences. Indian Tourist Development Corporation (ITDC) was then pursued to take up the venture.
• Traveled to Switzerland, U.K., USSR, Germany, USA, and some other European countries

Death

Sharma died on 22 February 1993 because of gradual declining health and old age. Huge numbers of people from all over world attended his funeral. His cremation took place at Beri (the village, he was born at), Jhajjar, Haryana. A tomb place has been built at the site of his cremation in Beri.

Honors

Rohtak Medical College was named after him.^[2]

References