Balram Jakhar

Dr. Balram Jakhar

Dr. Balram Jakhar (Devanagari:बलराम जाखड, IAST: Balrām Jākhaḍ) (born 23 August 1923) is a well-known Indian politician and parliamentarian and former Governor of Madhya Pradesh.

Early life and education

He was born in Jat family of Jakhar clan in Panchkosi village of Firozpur district in Punjab now in Abohar on 23 August 1923. His father’s name is Chaudhari Rajaram Jakhar and mother’s name is Patodevi Jakhar. His present generation (Ch. Sunil Jakhar) is serving as politicians in and near Abohar city which is Sub Tehsil for his native village Panjkosi. His son Surender kumar Jakhar died of a gunshot wound while cleaning in Abohar, Firozpur on Monday 17th January 2011. His elder son Sajjan Kumar Jakhar is ex-punjab minister and known for clean image and is looked with respect by all political party leaders.

Jakhar earned a degree in Sanskrit from Forman Christian College, Lahore, in 1945. He has knowledge of English, Punjabi, Urdu, Sanskrit and Hindi languages.

Politician

Jakhar was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1972 and was re-elected in 1977 becoming the Leader of the Opposition. He was elected to the seventh Lok Sabha from Ferozepur in 1980 and re-elected to the eighth Lok Sabha from Sikar in 1985. He served as Speaker of Lok Sabha from 1980 to 1989. As Speaker of Lok Sabha he was an instrument for automation and computerization of Parliamentary works. He promoted Parliament library, reference, research, documentation and information services for the knowledge and use of members of Parliament. The establishment of Parliament Museum was his contribution. He was first Asian to be elected as Chairman of Commonwealth Parliamentarian Executive Forum. He became the Central Agriculture minister in 1991. He was Governor of Madhya Pradesh state from 30 June 2004 to 30 May 2009.

Social activities

Jakhar is the lifelong president of Bharat Krishak Samaj and president of Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Trust Management Committee. He has written a book People, Parliament and Administration. He always tried to introduce the scientific techniques in agriculture to increase the production. The president of India awarded him ‘Udyan Pandit’ in 1975 for his contribution to Horticulture. Haryana Agricultural University Hisar and Gurukul Kangri Visvavidyalaya Haridwar have awarded him the ‘Doctor of Science’ and ‘Vidya Martand’ honorary degrees for his contribution to the Agriculture and Horticulture. Sports, Farming and Reading are his hobbies.

See also

• Jakhar - For the clan history of Dr Balram Jakhar

External links

• http://www.mpinfo.org/hindi/governor/aboutgov.htm
• http://www.rajasthantalkies.com/2011/01/iffco-chairman-surinder-jakhar-shot.html

Preceded by Kailashpati Mishra

Governor of Gujarat (Acting) July 2004 – July 2004

Succeeded by Nawal Kishore Sharma