Balraj Puri
Encyclopedia
Balraj Puri is the leading Indian Political commentator
and human rights activist. He is known for his impartial and objective views. Puri has written widely read books including the best selling Kashmir Towards Insurgency.
In his 68 years of public career, he has played a crucial role in Indian politics
. He mediated the famous 1975 Sheikh Abdullah-Indira Gandhi
accord. He worked for communal harmony across India particularly in Uttar Pradesh
and Delhi. From India's first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to the present Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Puri is constantly consulted on various aspects of the Kashmir issue. He also played an important role in restoring peace in Punjab in the 1980s.
in 2005,one of India's highest civilian honors, in Literature and Education. On 31 October 2009 he was honoured with Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration at Delhi by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Prime Minister Singh described Puri's book -Kashmir towards Insurgency- as a primer for anybody trying to understand the intricacies of Kashmir issue. Prime Minister remarked Balraj Puri’s life has been one of selfless service to the society and to our country. It has been a life dedicated to the cause of promoting peace, good-will and communal harmony. It has been a life spent in building bridges between regions and communities.
Pundit (politics)
A pundit is someone who offers to mass media his or her opinion or commentary on a particular subject area on which they are knowledgeable. The term has been increasingly applied to popular media personalities...
and human rights activist. He is known for his impartial and objective views. Puri has written widely read books including the best selling Kashmir Towards Insurgency.
Career
A committed peace activist Balraj Puri began his career in journalism in 1942 and since then has worked in or edited several publications.In his 68 years of public career, he has played a crucial role in Indian politics
Politics of India
The politics of India takes place within the framework of a federal constitutional republic, in which the President of India is head of state and the Prime Minister of India is the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the President and is independent of the legislature...
. He mediated the famous 1975 Sheikh Abdullah-Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi
Indira Priyadarshini Gandhara was an Indian politician who served as the third Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms and a fourth term . She was assassinated by Sikh extremists...
accord. He worked for communal harmony across India particularly in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh abbreviation U.P. , is a state located in the northern part of India. With a population of over 200 million people, it is India's most populous state, as well as the world's most populous sub-national entity...
and Delhi. From India's first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to the present Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Puri is constantly consulted on various aspects of the Kashmir issue. He also played an important role in restoring peace in Punjab in the 1980s.
Awards and recognition
Puri was conferred the Padma BhushanPadma Bhushan
The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, but comes before the Padma Shri. It is awarded by the Government of India.-History:...
in 2005,one of India's highest civilian honors, in Literature and Education. On 31 October 2009 he was honoured with Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration at Delhi by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Prime Minister Singh described Puri's book -Kashmir towards Insurgency- as a primer for anybody trying to understand the intricacies of Kashmir issue. Prime Minister remarked Balraj Puri’s life has been one of selfless service to the society and to our country. It has been a life dedicated to the cause of promoting peace, good-will and communal harmony. It has been a life spent in building bridges between regions and communities.