Famous Personalities

RAO RAM BUX SINGH

Also known as Babu Rao Ram Bux Singh was a great freedom fighter of Biaswara, Unnao. He was talukdar of Daundia Khera, and fought for the freedom of the country against the British. But ultimately his forces were defeated and he was cought at Varanasi and hanged to death in Daundia Khera on 28th of December 1858.

 

CHANDRIKA BUX SINGH

Born in 1923, son of the King of Bethar State, Ajit Singh, Chandrika Bux Singh came to the thrown after the untimely death of his father. He gave a tough fight to the British during the First war of Independence in 1857. Afterwards also he kept on his struggle. He killed the British Commander Murray and his wife and as a consequence he was arrested alongwith his family. The British decided to kill him in the most cruel way. He alongwith his family and associated was sentenced 'Kalapani ki Saja' as per the judgement on 28th Dec.1859. On 29th Dec,1859, it was ordered that his entire property be auctioned alongwith the above punishment. On his way to Kalapani, he was killed by the British on 30th Dec.1859.

MAULANA HASRAT MOHANI (born 1881 at Mohan, Unnao)

Was a freedom fighter and Urdu Poet. After his graduation in 1903, inspired by Rao Ram Bux Singh, he threw himself into the freedom struggle. He took up the Editing of the newspaper 'Urdu-A-Muallah' in 1913 and continued his struggle through his articles. As a consequence he was kept in imprisonment from 1914 to 1918 but he continued his writing work in jail.

He was nominated the member of the State Assembly in 1946. On 15th May 1951, this patriot breathed his last at Lucknow and left a void which is difficult to fill.

CHANDRA SHEKHAR AZAD

A great freedom fighter and revolutionary, he belonged to village Badarqa where his parental house still exists. He had vowed that he would not be caught alive by British forces. On 27th Feb. 1931, he was rounded up by British forces at Alfred Park Allahabad. When he realised that it would not be possible for him to escape, he shot himself by his Mauser pistol and fulfilled his vow.

VISHAMBHAR DAYAL TRIPATHI (5.10.1899 - 18.11.1959)

Born at Bangarmau, Unnao , he was a great man in all aspects of life. He was a brilliant scholar, being a Gold Medallist from Banaras Hindu University. His enormous sacrifices for the country can be compared with any great leader or freedom fighter of the Nation. He was a close associate of Subash Chandra Bose
He was several times sent to jail during the freedom struggle.
was jailed for 6 months during the 'Namak Satyagrah Aandolan' in 1930.
was fined Rs. 450 and sent to jail for 4 months in 1931 in connection with the 'Pipri Kand'.
was again jailed for 6 months for his participation in 'Lagan bandi Aandolan' in 1932.
was jailed for 6 months in 1933 during the 'Savinay Awagya Aandolan'.
was jailed from 1942 - 1945 during the 'Krips Mission'.

He was-
The Chairman of the Committee which was sent to Andman Nicobar to assess the possibility of development over there.
The Chairman of the Zamindari Abolition Committee.
The Chairman of the recognition Committee of High School & Intermediate Board U.P.
The founder of D.S.N. College, Unnao and opened many other educational institutions in the District.

In 1946 Vishambhar Dayal Tripathi was elected to the Legislative Assembly and was the Member of Parliament from 1952 to 1959 till his death (18th Nov.1959)

Padma Vibhushan Pt. UMA SHANKER DIXIT

Born on 12th January 1901 at village Ugu of Unnao district, he got his education from Kanpur. Since his student life he joined the freedom movement and was the Secretary of the District Congress Committee Kanpur during the period when Sh. Ganesh SDhanker Vidyarthi was the President of the Committee.

He served the Country as the Home Minister, Health Minister and Governor of Karnatak & West Bengal. He also served as treasurer of All India Congress Committee, and Managing Director of Associated Journals at Lucknow. He founded a Girls Intermediate College at his village Ugu in the memory of his mother.

Pt. DWARIKA PRASAD MISRA

A great freedom fighter & diplomat, he belonged to village Padari in Unnao. As a poet he composed Mahakavya- 'Krishnair'. He became the Chief Minister of M.P. after Ravi Shanker Shukla.

SURYA KANT TRIPATHI 'NIRALA' (21.2.1897 - 15.10.1961)

'Nirala', a 'Chhayawadi' Poet, was born in Madinipur district of West Bengal. Thereon he shifted to Lucknow and then to Village Gadhakola of District Unnao, to which his father originally belonged.
He was well versed in Hindi, Bangla, English & Sanskrit and was greatly inspired by Ram Krishna Paramhans, Swami Vivekanand & Ravindra Nath Tagore. His wrote strongly against social injustice & exploitation in the society. It will not be wrong to say that he was well ahead of his time in his work.

There is a Park(Nirala Uddyan), an Auditorium (Nirala Prekshagrah) and a Degree College (Mahapran Nirala Degree College) in the district after his name.

Publications

'Janmbhumi', 'Parimal', 'Geetika', 'Anamika' , 'Tulsidas', 'Kukurmutta', 'Adima', 'Bela', 'Nai Pattey', 'Archana',
'Aradhana', 'Geet Gunj', 'Sandya Kakli' ( All Poetry)

'Apsara', 'Alka', 'Prabhawati', 'Nirupama', 'Kulli Bhat', 'Billesur Bakriha', 'Choti ki Pakar', 'Kale Karname' (All Novels)

'Lily', 'Sakhi', 'Sukul ki Bibi', 'Devi', 'Chaturi Chamaar' (All Story books)

'Bangbhasha ka Uchcharan', 'Ravindra-Kavita-Kannan', 'Prabandh-Padya', 'Prabandh-Pratima', 'Chabuk', 'Chayan', 'Sangrah' (All Essays)

'Mahabharat' (Epic Katha)

'Anand Math', 'Vish-Vriksh', 'Krishna kant ka Vil', 'Kapal Kundala', 'Durgesh Nandini', 'Raj Singh', 'Raj Rani', 'Devi Chaudharani', 'Yuglanguliya', 'Chandrasekhar', 'Rajni', 'Sri Ramkrishna Vachnamrit','Bhatrat Main Vivekanand', 'Rajyog' (All Translations)

BHAGWATI CHARAN VERMA (30.8.1903 - 5.10.1980)

A great writer,Born at Safipur, Unnao, Was Hindi Advisor at Akashwani, Lucknow in 1950
He was the member of Rajya Sabha in 1978.

Awards
'Sahitya Akademy Award' in 1961 for his book 'Bhule Bisre Chitra'.
'Sahitya Vachaspati Upadhi' in 1969
'Padma Bhushan' in 1971.

Publication
'Bhule Bisre Chitra'
'Chitralekha' (The Film 'Chitrlekha' was based on this novel.)
'Prashan Aur Marichika'
'Chanakaya'
'Seedhi Sachchi Baten'

NAND DULARE BAJPAYEE (27.8.1906 - 21.8.1967)

Born at Magrayer, Unnao, was a famous Critic.
Was Vice Chancellor at Vikram University, Ujjain.

Was Editor of :-
'Bharat' during 1930-33
'Soor Sagar' during 1933-36
'Ram Charit Manas' during 1937-39

Was Head of Hindi Deptt. at Kashi Hindu Vishwavidhalaya from 1941-1947.

Publication
'Hindi Sahitya'
'Biiswin Shatabdi'
'Aadhunik Sahitya'
'Naya Sahitya Naye Prashna'
'Kavi Nirala'
'Kavi Prasad'
'Maha Kavi Tulsidas'

RAM VILAS SHARMA (born 10.10.1912 at Unchagaon Sani, Unnao)

Hindi Scholar, MA English Literature, PhD.
Retd.Prof.& Head Dept. of English, Balwant Rajput College,Agra
Former Director K.M.Munshi Hindi Vidyapeeth, Agra
Former Gen.Secy. 'Akhil Bhartiya Pragatisheel Lekhak Sangh' (1949-53)
Editor of 'Samalochak' (1958-89)

Awards
Reciepient of 'Sahitya Akademy Award' in 1970.
'Vyas Samman' from K.K. Birla Foundation in 1991.
'Bharat Bharti Samman' from U.P. Govt.
'Shalaka Samman' from Hindi Academy, Delhi
& and many other awards.
But as a noble gesture he refused the prize money of many awards with a request that it may be utilised in the promotion of literacy.

Publications
More than 30 Hindi Publications.
'Prem Chand Aur Unka Yug' in 1952.
'Pragatisheel Sahitya Ki Samasyayen' in 1955
'Nirala Ki Sahitya Sadhana' ( 3 Vol.) during 1969-76
'Acharya Ram Chand Shukla Aur Hindi Aalochana' in 1973
'Bharat Mein Angareji Raj Aur Marxvad' in 1982
'Roop Tarang Aur Pragatisheel Kavita Ki Vaycharik Prishthbhoomi' in 1990
'Bhartiya Sahitya Ki Bhoomika in 1996.
'Itihas Darshan' in 1997.
(The above are all critics & history of literature.)

'Pragati Aur Parampara' in 1953
'Aastha Aur Saundarya' in 1960
'Bhasha Aur Samaj' in 1961
'Bharat Ki Prachin Bhasha Parivar Aur Hindi' in 1979
(The above are all essays)

'Apni Dharti Apne Log' (Autobiography : 3 Vol.) in 1996
'Swadhinta Sangram - Badelte Pariprekshya' in 1992.

SHIV MANGAL SINGH SUMAN (born 5.8.1915 at Jhagarpur, Unnao)

Hindi Poet, M.A.,PhD in Hindi (both from B.H.U.)
Presently Exec. President Kalidas Academy, Ujjain.

Career
V.C., Vikram University, Ujjain during 1968-78.
Vice-President U.P. Hindi Sansthan, Lucknow , Press & Cultural Attache, Indian Embassy, Kathmandu Nepal during 1956-61
President, Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi during 1977-78

Visited Nairobi (Kenya), Mauritius, Nepal, Afganistan, erstwhile USSR, France, England, Mangolia, Australia and Several other Countries.

Awards
'Deva Puraskar' in 1958
'Soviet Land Nehru Award' in 1974
'Sahitya Akademy Award' in 1974
'Shikhar Samman' in 1993 from M.P. Govt.
'Bharat Bharti' Award in 1993 and several others.

Hons.
Conferred 'Padam Shri' by the Govt. of India in 1974
D.Litt. by Bhagalpur University in 1973 & by Jabalpur University in 1983.

Publications

'Hillol' in 1939
'Jeevan ke Gaan' in 1942
'Yug ka Mol' in 1945
'Pralay Srajan' in 1950
'Vishwas Badalta hi Gaya' in 1948
'Vidhya Himalaya' in 1960
'Mitti Ki Baarat' in 1972
'Vani ki Vyatha' in 1980
'Kate Anguthon ki Vandanvaren' in 1991
The above are all Poetry.

'Mahadevi ki Kavya Sadhana' in 1951
'Geeti Kavya : Udyam Aur Vikas' 1995'
(Both Critic)

'Prakriti Purush Kalidas' in 1961 (Play)

BHUPENDRA NATH SHUKLA (born 16.5.1918 at Hafizabad , Unnao)

Hindi Writer, BA,LLB
Participated in 1942 movement and imprisoned.
Former Secretary & President, City Congress Committee, Unnao
Member UP Congress Committee for 20 years.
Former President Bar Association, Unnao & Trustee of a number of Educational and social organisations.
Former President Zila Parishad Unnao.
Founder Member of V.D.Tripathi Hindi Vidyapeeth Unnao.

Awards
Reciepient of 'Bhartendu Harishchandra Award' for Drama.(thrice)
'Sahitya Bhushan Award' by U.P. Hindi Sansthan.
'Sahitya Manishi Award' by Nirala Mahavidyalaya Unnao.
'Sahityashree', 'Nirala Samman', 'Naveen Samman'.

Publications
'Brah Ke Geet' in 1943
'Killol', in 1988, 'Madhvi' in1986 (both Poetry)
'Gaon ka Aadmi' in 1988, 'Dhanpati' 1989, 'Shripati', 1991 (all novels)
'Yug Seemayen' in 1987, 'Pryambada' 1991, 'Shaktibodh' 1988 (all plays)
'Yug Nirmata Nehru' in 1989 (Biography)
'Bahadur Shah Zafar' in 1981
'Valley of Death' (an English Novel based on Ayodhya) in 1994
'Vaidehi Parinaya', Yugantar'
'Lashon Ka Maqbara' (a Hindi Novel based on Ayodhya) in 1991
'Siyaar Daroga' (Short story for children) in 1994

MAIRAJ ZAIDI (born 22.11.1949 at Chaudhrana, Unnao)

Stage Artist & Dialogue Writer.

Stage Plays
'Agra Baazar' directed by Habib Tanveer (68 shows ).
'Charan Das Choor' directed by Habib Tanveer (8 shows).
Contribution : He acted in these Plays.

'Curfew' adopted from Novel 'Shahar Mein Curfew' written by Vibhuti Narain Rao
'Tamacha'
'Raj Darshan'
Contribution : Direction, Screen Play, Acting & Dialogue Writing.

T.V. Serials
'Raja Ka Baaja' directed by Sayeed Mirza (27 episodes have been telecast on DD-I)
'Farz' : Nimbus Productions (17 episodes.)
'Chamatkaar' directed by Partho Ghosh. (6 episodes)
'Rishtey' (Telecast on Sony)
Contribution: Dialogue Writing.

'Ghadar - 1857' based on The First war of Independence directed by Sanjay Khan.
Contribution: Research Story, Screen Play & Dialogue Writing.

Documentary Films
'Pehli Baar' directed by Sayeed Mirza (Telecast on Bhopal Doordarshan)
Contribution: Dialogue Writing.

Pd. PRATAP NARAIN MISHRA ( 1856 - 1894 )

Born at Baijegaon, Unnao, a renowned Poet and Writer of 'Bhartendu Mandal', he has more that 50 books under his name. He was the editor of 'Brahmin', a mothly magazine. All his publications have been compiled into 'Pratap Narain Mishra Granthawali' by 'Nagri Pracharini Sabha', Kashi. He was well versed in Sanskrit, Urdu, Farsi, English and Bangla. He was a humourous person and had a lifestyle of his own.

Publications
'Prem Pushpawali', 'Man ki Lehar', 'Trapyantaam', 'Vraidla-swagat', 'Shaiv Sarwasva', 'Kavita Lehari'

'Hathi Hameer', 'Kali Kautuk', 'Bharat-Durdasha' (All Plays)

JAGDAMBIKA Pd. MISHRA 'Hitaishi' ( 1895 - 1956 )

'Shahidon ki chitaon par judenge har baras mele.' 'Watan par marne walon ka yahi baki nishan hoga..'

Above are the popular lines of his poem 'Matra Geeta' which was banned by the British Government.

Born at Ganj Moradabad, Unnao he was popular for applying 'Savaiya - Chhand' in 'Khari boli' for which he got appreciation from great personalities of his time namely Acharya Mahavir Pd. Dwivedi and Acharya Ram Chandra Shulka. He had a strong hold of Sanskrit, Bangla and Farsi.

Publications

'Kallolini' 'Matra Geeta' 'Baikali' 'Darshna'

RAMAI KAKA ( 2.2.1915 - 18.4.1982 )

Born at Rawatpur village of Unnao in a ordinary agriculturist family, Ramai Kaka was a Comedy Poet and an Artist. After passing his matriculation, he worked as Inspector in Planning department. Due to his illness he took early retirement from service in 1938. He was offered to perform on 'Aakashvani' in 1940. His performance as an actor in the programme 'Bahire Baba' on Aakashvani Lucknow earned his great fame. His programmes were also broadcasted on BBC London. During his 35 years of service in Aakashvani, he wrote Plays, comedy plays, 'Nautanki', and a number of Poems.

He was a simple person who held high moral standards.

Publications

'Bauchhar'
'Bhinsar'
'Netaji'
'Fuhar'
'Harpati Tarwar'
'Gulchharra'
'Hasya ke chhente'
'Mati ke bol'

Awards

He was honoured with a special award of Rs.5000/- by 'Rajya Hindi Sansthan' for his contribution to Hindi literature.