Nanabhai Bhatt (Lokbharti)
Encyclopedia
Eminent educationist, thinker, freedom fighter and a creative writer, born as Nrusinhprasad Kalidas Bhatt, at Bhavnagar
on 11th 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, Lokharti, situated at Sanosara in Sihor
block, Bhavnagar
.
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.
of strong and self-sufficient rural India.
and he went to jail for several times for his involvement the same. 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 31st December, 1961.
Bhavnagar
-Topography:Bhavnagar is a coastal city in the eastern coast of Saurashtra, also known as Kathiawar, located at . It has an average elevation of 24 metres . It occupies area of 53.30 km². General slope dips in the northeasterly direction at the apex of Gulf of Khambhat...
on 11th November, 1882, later known as Nanabhai Bhatt, Nanabhai was a contemporary and one of the famous trinity of Bhavnagar with Gijubhai Badheka
Gijubhai Badheka
Born on 15th November, 1885 at Chittal in Saurashtra as Girijashankar Badheka to Bhagwanji and Sm. Kashiba of Vala , and known as Gijubhai Badheka, Gijubhai was a distinct reformist, educationist and an author....
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, Lokharti, situated at Sanosara in Sihor
Sihor
Sihor is an ancient, historical medium sized town, a municipality in Bhavnagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. Placed along the river Gautami, this erstwhile capital of the Gohil Rajputs, surrounded by hills is situated about 20 km from Bhavnagar...
block, Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar
-Topography:Bhavnagar is a coastal city in the eastern coast of Saurashtra, also known as Kathiawar, located at . It has an average elevation of 24 metres . It occupies area of 53.30 km². General slope dips in the northeasterly direction at the apex of Gulf of Khambhat...
.
Early years, Dakshinamurti and innovations
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
Gujarat Vidyapith
The Gujarat Vidyapith is a major university located in Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat in India. It was founded in 1920 by Mohandas Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement...
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
Sihor
Sihor is an ancient, historical medium sized town, a municipality in Bhavnagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. Placed along the river Gautami, this erstwhile capital of the Gohil Rajputs, surrounded by hills is situated about 20 km from Bhavnagar...
, particularly targeting Education in Rural areas.
Lokbharti, the University for villagers
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 very 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 GandhiMahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi , pronounced . 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) was the pre-eminent political and ideological leader of India during the Indian independence movement...
of strong and self-sufficient rural India.
Causes, devotion and felicitation
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 movementIndian independence movement
The term Indian independence movement encompasses a wide area of political organisations, philosophies, and movements which had the common aim of ending first British East India Company rule, and then British imperial authority, in parts of South Asia...
and he went to jail for several times for his involvement the same. Remained nominated Member of Rajya Sabha during 1954-57, Nanabhai Bhatt were awarded Padma Shri
Padma Shri
Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan...
in 1960 for "Social Work". For more on the list of Padma Shri
Padma Shri
Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan...
recipient of 1960-1969, please see Padma Shri Awards (1960–1969)
Padma Shri Awards (1960–1969)
Padma Shri Award, India's fourth highest civilian honours - Winners, 1960-1969:...
. Leaving a lasting social impact and inspiration for future generations, he expired on 31st December, 1961.