Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Yadav in Hindi {चौधरी ब्रह्म प्रकाश यादव} (1918–1993) was a leader known for his self-less public service, social commitment and organisational abilities. He played an important role in the Individual Satyagraha Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1940 and was among the leaders of the ‘underground’ activities in Delhi during the ‘Quit India’ movement. He was imprisoned many times during the freedom struggle.[1] [2]
In the post-independence era, he served as Minister in charge of Planning and Development as well as the first Chief Minister of Delhi from 1952-55. His stints in the Parliament twice won him accolades as an able parliamentarian. He also made noteworthy contributions as the Union Cabinet Minister for Food, Agriculture, Irrigation and Cooperatives.
The cause of depressed sections of the society, rural development and empowerment of the weaker sections were issues which were very close to the heart of Chaudhary Brahm Prakash. He was quick to realise the potential of cooperative societies in mitigating the hardships of the village folks. As early as in 1945, he started organising village and agriculture cooperatives. He was also a proponent of the Panchayati Raj institutions. He organised the National Union of Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Minorities in 1977 to work for the welfare of these weaker sections.[3]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by NA (British Raj) |
Chief Minister of the Delhi 1952-55 |
Succeeded by G N Singh |