Bhishma Narain Singh - Life Sketch

Life Sketch

Born in a family of modest agriculturist means in a village of Jharkhand (Udaigarh, Palamau District) on 13 July 1933 and a graduate from Benaras Hindu University. Actively involved for the past 42 years in strengthening parliamentary democracy in India. A political leader and a constitutional governor. A member of All India Congress Committee (AICC) for more than three decades and permanent invitee of Congress Parliamentary Board from 1978 to 1983 under the Presidentship of Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

A devoted Gandhian. A sagacious political leader, veteran parliamentarian, a popular and constitutional governor. a teetotaller, a crusader for tribal welfare, champion of women’s rights and able administrator and statesman. Gandhigram Rural Institute Deemed University conferred degree of PhD (Honoris Causa) at its convocation 13 April 1992, and in April 2009 was conferred with the highest award “Order of Friendship” of the Russian Federation.

Handled various portfolios at central and state governments as minister. Also served as governor of six states and administrator of a union territory of India. Won first Parliamentary election as member of Legislative Assembly of Bihar State in 1967.

• 1967: Member of Legislative Assembly of Bihar State.
• 1971: Bihar State Minister for Education.
• 1972: Bihar State Minister for Mines & Geology.
• 1973: Bihar State Minister for Food, Supply & Commerce.
• 1976: Elected to Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Indian Parliament).
• 1978: Chief Whip of Congress Party in Parliament.
• 1980: Cabinet Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Works and Housing & Labour and Communications in Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s Government.
• 1983: Cabinet Minister for Food and Civil Supplies in Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s Prime Ministership.
• 1984: Governor of Assam & Meghalaya and Chairman of North Eastern Council. Additional charge as Governor of Sikkim in 1985 and Arunachal Pradesh in 1987.
• 1991: Governor of Tamil Nadu along with additional charge of Pondicherry and Andman Nicobar Island.

Services Rendered to the Nation: • As Governor of Tamil Nadu in President’s Rule restored critical law and order situation and ensured smooth functioning of democratic progress and simultaneously improving the economic situation as well.

• As Chairman of North Eastern Council covered the administration of the seven sisters North Indian States (Namely Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh) during which economic as well as social development was accelerated & was primordial to transforming the profile of the region, ensuring a better quality of life to the people. Social reforms & Tribal welfare Rights got implemented.

• In Assam as Governor, pacified the social & political agitations, leading to the signing of the Historic Assam Accord between the Central & State Governments and Assam Student’s Union (conflict resolution).

• As Cabinet Minister Works & Housing, associated with the establishment of Sports Infrastructure for holding the IXth Asian Games in New Delhi, and ensuring its completion in record time (1980–1982).

• Chancellor of 2(two) dozen Universities in India during tenure as Governor of several states. Ensured qualitative improvements in Education and related facilities. Promotion of women’s rights.

Membership:

• Associate Life Member of the Inter Parliamentary Union, Indian Branch.
• Associate Life Member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in India.
• President of Unity International Foundation.
• President of All India Conference of Intellectuals.