Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1884-1963 AD)- Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of free India. He was born in Bihar and completed his law degree in Kolkata. During his practice as an eminent lawyer he met Gandhiji at Champaran and assisted him. He was deeply influenced by the Champaran Satyagraha of Gandhiji and became his true disciple. After the Jallian Wala Bagh massacre of 1919, he started Satyagraha with Gandhiji. He had also a novel role in the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. During the Quit India Movement of 1942 he was arrested and remained in jail for three years from 1942 to 1945. In 1946, he was elected as the first President of the Constituent Assembly. On January24, 1950 Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of Independent India and remained in that highest post for two successive terms from 1950 to 1962. He was awarded Bharat Ratna in 1962.
P.T.USHA(Born-1964AD)- Pilavulakandi Thekkeparambil Usha popularly known as P.T.Usha, is one of the outstanding Indian athletes. She has brought great glory and honour to our country in the field of sports. Till date her fame is more than any woman athletes in India. She is called as ‘Flying Queen’ of India. In the 10th Asiad held at Seoul, South Korea in 1986, P.T.Usha kept the flag of India flying high by winning 4 gold and 1 silver medals in the track and field events. She was the highest gold medal winner in this Asiad. In 1985 she had also won the most medals (six) at a Single Championship at Jakarta, Indonesia. Earlier in 1982 Asiad, Usha had shown her talent by winning two gold medals in 100 metres and 200 metres race. At the Loss Angles Olympics of 1984, she missed the medal by remaining at the 4th place.Yet she was the first Indian woman runner to have the honour of coming at 4th place in the Olympics. Born in Kerala, the great athlete P.T. Usha has won 17 medals- 13 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze in four Asiads.
Ravi Shankar (1920 AD)
The great and incomparable Sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar enjoys a great popularity all over the world. He has made a notable contribution in popularising Indian Music in foreign countries. He is the first Indian to compose Music for foreign Films. Pt. Ravi Shankar was born on 7th April, 1922. He has received most prestigious national and international awards including the highest Indian civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar- Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is popularly known as the father of Indian Constitution. In fact, he was the principal architect of our Constitution. Dr. Ambedkar was born on 14th April 1893 in a very poor family in Madhya Pradesh. He was a brilliant student. Highly impressed by his talents, the then ruler of Baroda helped him to travel USA for higher studies. In USA, Ambedkar completed his MA and Ph.D. and became a Professor of Law there. But his love for his beloved motherland forced to come India. 1n 1925, he returned to India and set up his legal practice in Bombay High Court. He fought for social justice for the depressed classes. He became the Law Minister of India from 1947 to 1951. Because of the orthodox Hindus, Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956. This widely learned man and liberator of the downtrodden passed away on 6th December 1956. He is affectionately called ‘Babasaheb’. He was posthumously awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1990.
Birju Maharaj- Birju Maharaj is a famous Kathak dancer of India. It is he who has established Kathak as a classical dance form of India. Birju Maharaj was born on February 1938 in a family with a sound background in dancing. From childhood Birju Maharaj was deeply attracted to Kathak. His stage performances earned him more and more appreciation. At 22, he received the prestigious National Award for the Central Sangeet Natak Academy. He has been performing Kathak dance shows through out the world. He was awarded ‘Padma Bhushan’ by govt. of India. The govt. of MP has awarded him with ‘Kalidas Samman’, its highest award in the field of fine arts. He has been the Director and Guru at Centre for Kathak in New Delhi.
V. Shantaram (1901-1990 AD)- V. Shantaram, the great film actor, producer and director has a special place in the Indian film industry. His contribution to the Indian film industry is immeasurable and incomparable. Social order, exploitation, music and dance are the basic characteristics of his movies. He was born in Maharashtra and in1941, he established the Rajkamal Kala Mandir Studio in Bombay (Mumbai).
He was the first person to produce a Children’s film and the first to produce a colour film. Some of his memorable films are ‘Admi’, ‘Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaze’, ‘Geet Gaya Pathoron Ne’, ‘Doo Ankeh Bara Haten’ etc. He was awarded with the highest award of Indian Cinema ‘Dadasaheb Phalke’ in 1986.
Vikram Sarabhai (1919-1971 AD)- The scientist who is creited with launching India into space age, is Vikram Sarabhai, who has made valuable contribution in this regard. After completing his research on changes in cosmic rays and atomic energy in Cambridge University of England, he returned to India to serve his motherland. He established a laboratory at Ahmedabad for research in Physics and took Indian science to greater heights. He became the Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and was mainly instrumental in the establishment and development of Atomic Energy Centre at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala in 1971. It was because of his persistent efforts that India could launch its first space satellite ‘Aryabhatta’. He was posthumously awarded ‘Padma Vibhushan’ in 1972.
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838-1894 AD)-Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the writer of our national song‘Vande Mataram’ was born in west Bengal. He is considered to be a leading litterateur of Bengali literature. All his works bear great stamp of nationalism and Indian culture. He finished his study from Presidency college, Kolkata. From an early age, he was inclined towards literature. His famous works are- ‘Anandamath’, ‘Krishna Charitra’, ‘Durgesh Nandini’, ‘Chandrarani’, ‘Visha Briksha’, ‘Kapal Kundala’.In his famous book ‘Kamala Kanter Daftar’, he highlighted the social evils and about the injustice to the poor. This book was the first important Indian treatise towards the concept of socialism.
Mihir Sen (1930-1997 AD) - Mihir Sen, the world famous swimmer, was born in Purulia of West Bengal. In his time he achieved significant success in international swimming. He was the first Asian to swim across the English Channel in 1958. In 1966, he established five important records by crossing the Palk Strait, Gibralter Dar-E-Daniyal, Wasphorus and Panama. He established the record of swimming the longest distance and became an extraordinary salt-water swimmer. Though by profession he was a lawyer, a barrister of the Kolkata High Court, he was a matchless swimmer, having swum more than 600 kms in seas and oceans. He brought great glory to our country by earning a place in Guinness Book of World Record. He was awarded Padmashree and PadmaBhushan for his extraordinary and significant contribution.
Abdul Kalam Azad (1888-1958 A.D.)-Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad was a great patriot, freedom fighter and politician. He was the President of Indian National Congress for many years and was jailed many times. He was the Union Education Minister in the Post-independence period. He was awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1992.His book ‘India Wins Freedom’ was published after his death.
Rani Laxmi Bai (1834-1858 A.D.)-Rani Laxmi Bai was the heroine of our First War of Independence of 1857.Her heroic battle against the Britishers has become a powerful impact on the mind of each and every Indians. The Rani of Jhansi – Laxmi Bai rebelled against the British Government and became the most popular leader of the great Indian revolt of 1857.
Mukesh (1923-1976 A.D)- Mukesh gifted with a smooth voice that touched the hearts of millions was a great singer. His voice had a natural sad tone that creates thrilling in the hearts of the listeners. Mukesh wanted to be a hero and acted in several films. But, when he sang the song ‘Dil jalta hai to jalne de’ for the film Pehil Nazar, he became popular as a singer.
GopalKrishna Gokhale(1866-1915A.D)- Gokhale was a great patriot. He had played a significant role in our freedom movement. He was the president of Indian National Congress in 1905.He was a champion of the interests of the Indians staying abroad. He supported Gandhiji’s passive resistance campaign. Gandhiji had affirmed him as his political Guru.
Jagadish Chandra Bose (1855-1937)- Sir J. C. Bose was an eminent physicist and botanist. He was a great scientist who was pioneer in the identification of life in plants and is also said to have developed wireless telegraphy independent of Marconi. He was the founder of Bose Research Institute, Kolkata. He demonstrated that plants too live, drink, sleep, and breathe as all other living beings.
RaJ Kapoor(1924-1988A.D)- Raj Kapoor was the greatest showman of Hindi cinema. Raj Kapoor was a romantic hero and a versatile director. He launched his own R.K. Films banner under which he produced and directed a number of artistic and popular films. His memorable films are Awara, Shri 420, Sangam, Mera Nam Joker etc.Apart from many Filmfare awards he won Dada Saheb Phalke award and Padma Bhushan award.
G. B. Panth (1887- 1961 AD):- Govind Ballabh Panth was a leading figure in the freedom struggle of India. He was born at Almora in Uttar Pradesh in a rich family. After completing his graduation and Law degree from Allahabad university he started his career as a lawyer. He earned a great name and fame as a lawyer. But he jumped into freedom movement having been deeply impressed and inspired by Gokhale, Ranade, Dadabhai Naroji and Madan Mohan Malviya. After our independence in August 15, 1947 Panth became the Chief Minister of UP. Later he was made Union Home Minister in Pt. Nehru’s Cabinet. He was a great patriot and was decorated with ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1957.
Maharana Pratap (1540-1597AD):-
Maharana Pratap was a valiant and illustrious character of Indian history. His name will remain in the golden chapter of Indian history for his bravery, courage and sacrifices. He was the son of Rajput king Rana Udai Singh of Mewar. He ascended throne in 1572. His kingdom was an eyesore for the Mughal emperor Akbar-The Great. In the battle of Haldi Ghati, he fought and faced bravely with the vast Mughal army. Though he lost his kingdom, he refused to accept the Mughal supremacy. He slept on the floor, ate coarse food and wandered across the forests of Aravali hills but did n’t accept Akbar’s supremacy.
Kabir (1399- 1518 AD):- Saint Kabir was a great poet of the Bhakti move- ment. He gave a several blow to the ostentatious and dead customs of the Indian society. His poems are read and song even today with great relish. He was not only a great litterateur but was also a social reformer. He had great role in uniting the Hindus and Muslims. He preached against the nasty religious practices that divide people. He believed in a formless God and was against the caste system. Kabir was born in a Hindu family but was brought up by a Muslim couple.
Annie Besant (1847-1933 AD):- Annie Besant, a foreign lady is one of the most successful and great women of India. Deeply influenced by the religion, philosophy and culture of India, she identified herself fully with India and became an inveterate Indian. She had great and remarkable contribution in our freedom movement. She founded the ‘Home-Rule League’ with support and coordination of Tilak. She revived the ‘Theosophical Society’. In 1917 she was elected as the President of Indian National Congress. She was the editor of a journal ‘New India’. She had established ‘Indian Boy Scouts Association’. Annie Besant was born in London. In 1893, she left for India having been influenced India’s great cultural heritage.
Rani Laxmi Bai (1834-1858 A.D.)-Rani Laxmi Bai was the heroine of our First War of Independence of 1857. Her heroic battle against the Britishers has become a powerful impact on the mind of each and every Indians. The Rani of Jhansi – Laxmi Bai rebelled against the British Government and became the most popular leader of the great Indian revolt of 1857.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915 A.D)- Gokhale was a great patriot. He had played a significant role in our freedom movement. He was the president of Indian National Congress in 1905. He was a champion of the interests of the Indians staying abroad. He supported Gandhiji’s passive resistance campaign. Gandhiji had affirmed him as his political Guru.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia- Ram Manohar Lohia’s name is reckoned amongst the greatest socialist leaders and thinkers of India. He was one of the first to foster the socialist ideology and work towards its cause. He was a champion of democratic thought. He believed, “if the responsible men and women of India will not do anything for the oppressed classes, then talking about god is in vain”. Lohia was born in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh in 1910. After completing his education from Kolkata University, he went to Germany to conduct research in Economics. After returning India he joined congress party and participated in freedom struggle. He was imprisoned for several times. In 1948, Lohia resigned from Congress party and joined the Communist party. One of the most loved leaders of India died on 12 October 1967.
Shakuntala Devi- Shakuntala Devi is one among the greatest mathema- tician of the world. She is hailed as ‘Human Computer’ because of her extraordinary talents in solving complex mathematical problems. Her name is recorded in the Gunnies Book of Records. She has astonished scientists across the world by solving mathematical problems in a jiffy, quicker than a computer. Shakuntala Devi was born in 1939 with this extraordinary talent. She used to solve arithmetical problems at the age of 5.
Bhagat Singh (1907-1931 AD)
Sardar Bhagat Singh, the greatest revolutionary freedom fighter of India was born on 28th September, 1907 in Punjab, Bhagat Singh together with Sukhdev, Rajguru and Chandra Shekhar Azad shot dead a police officer, who was responsible for Lathi Charge on Lala Lajpat Rai. He became a hero by throwing bomb on the central Assembly in 1921 in protest against the ‘Public Safety Bill’. He was hanged on 23 March, 1931 and became a Shaheed by Chanting the famous slogan. ‘Inquilab Zindabad’.
Prakash Padukone (1955 AD)
Prakash Padukone is the most successful Badminton player of India. He was the national Badminton Champion for a consecutive years during 1970-78. In 1980 he won the Badminton Grand Slam by winning three major international Badminton tournaments including All England Badminton Championship. Padukone was born on 10th June 1955, in Bangalore. He has won 15 international titles and was ranked number one in 1980 and 1981 world ranking.
Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) :-Aurobindo Ghose, popularly known as Sri Aurobindo was a great philosopher, poet, yogi & politician. He was the first editor of ‘Bande Mataram’ & is the founder of the world famous Aurobindo Ashram at Pondicherry.
Prem Chand (1880-1936 A.D.) : Prem Chand was the greatest Hindi novelist and story writer. He is known as ‘Upanyas Samrat’ or the ‘Father of Hindi Fiction’ because he gave the Hindi Upanayas a definite shape. Some of his immortal novels are Godan, Kaya Kalpa, Seva Sadan, Prem Ashram. Prem Chand was born into a poor family in Varanasi, UP. His original name was Dhanpat Rai and he has written all his Hindi works in the pen name of ‘Prem Chand’.
Vikram Sarabhai (1919-1971 AD)- The scientist who is credited with launching India into space age, is Vikram Sarabhai, who has made valuable contribution in this regard. After completing his research on changes in cosmic rays and atomic energy in Cambridge University of England, he returned to India to serve his mother- land. He established a laboratory at Ahmeda- bad for research in Physics and took Indian science to greater heights. He became the Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and was mainly instrumental in the establishment and development of Atomic Energy Centre at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala in 1971. It was because of his persistent efforts that India could launch its first space satellite ‘Aryabhatta’. He was posthumously awarded ‘Padma Vibhushan’ in 1972.
Jagadish Chandra Bose (1855-1937)- Sir J. C. Bose was an eminent physicist and botanist. He was a great scientist who was pioneer in the identification of life in plants and is also said to have developed wireless telegraphy independent of Marconi. He was the founder of Bose Research Institute, Kolkata. He demonstrated that plants too live, drink, sleep, and breathe as all other living beings.