Eminent Personalities of Himachal Pradesh | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Shri Lal Chand Prarthi

• Born in March 1916, in Naggar, the old capital of Kullu, into a Brahmin family.
• He graduated in Ayurveda from S.D. College, Lahore in 1934.
• Actively participated in the ‘Quit India Movement’ in 1942, contributing to India’s freedom struggle.
• He was elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly in 1952, 1962, and 1967.
• In 1964, he became the convener of the Kullu Congress Committee and in 1967, he was appointed Minister of Co-operatives in Himachal Pradesh.
• He had a deep interest in Art, Culture, and Folk Research.
• His most famous work is "Kulut Desh Ki Kahani", which beautifully narrates the history and culture of the Kullu region.
• Prarthi passed away on 11th December 1982.

Norah Richards

• An Englishwoman who came to India in 1911 with her husband, Mr. Philip Richards.
• She was a dedicated lover of art and culture and is widely regarded as a significant figure in Indian theatre.
• Settled in Andretta, Kangra Valley in May 1925 and was later honored with the title of Doctor of Literature by Punjab University for her contributions.
• Richards is often referred to as the ‘great grandmother of Punjabi theatre’ for her efforts to promote drama and theatre arts.
• Some of her published works include:
  • "Country Life"
  • "Sati"
  • "The Flower Maker"
  • "Magic Brooms"
  • "Drama in Education"
  • "The Village Play"
• These works focus on rural life, social themes, and the role of drama in education.
• She also wrote biography of noted scientist S.S. Bhatnagar.
• She passed away on 4th March 1971.

Sardar Sobha Singh

• Born on 29th November 1901 in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Sobha Singh was the son of S. Dewa Singh, an officer in the Indian Army.
• He completed his training in Art & Craft at the Industrial School in Amritsar.
• Sobha Singh served as a draftsman in the Indian Army but left the service in 1923 to pursue a career as a freelance artist.
• Moved to Kangra Valley, where he was deeply inspired by its scenic beauty, eventually settling in Andretta, Palampur.
• Sobha Singh became world-renowned for his paintings, particularly those that celebrated the cultural heritage of India:
  • "Sohni Mahiwal"
  • "Kangra Bride"
  • "Gaddi Belle"
  • Portraits of Sikh Gurus
• He was recognized as the State Artist by the Punjab Government in 1974.
• Sobha Singh passed away in 1989, and his legacy is preserved through the Sardar Sobha Singh Art Gallery in Andretta.

Baba Kanshi Ram (Pahari Gandhi)

• Born on 11th July 1882 in Gurnkad, Dehra Gopipur, Baba Kanshi Ram was a dedicated revolutionary in India’s national movement.
• Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru gave him the title of ‘Pahari Gandhi’ during a political meeting at Gadriawala, recognizing his efforts in the freedom struggle.
• He was a talented singer, known as ‘Paharan-Da-Bulbul’ (Nightingale of the Hills) by Sarojini Naidu at Daulatpur Chowk in 1927 due to his melodious voice and patriotic songs.
• After the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in 1931, he vowed to wear black until India gained independence.
• Baba Kanshi Ram passed away on 15th October 1943.

Shri Bhag Mal Sautha

• Born on 23rd November 1899 in Jubbal, Shimla, Shri Bhag Mal Sautha was a notable freedom fighter and leader.
• He joined the Indian National Congress in 1922 and was elected as its Secretary during the Baroda session.
• Professionally, he was an engineer and was a founding member of the Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal, which played a key role in the freedom struggle of the hill states.
• He was the first person to be arrested during the Dhami firing tragedy, a significant event in the freedom movement.

Bakshi Pratap Singh

• Born on 20th October 1912 in Chadiyar, Palampur, Kangra district.
• He joined the British Army in 1931 and later the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 1942.
• Demonstrated exceptional bravery in a mission where he single-handedly infiltrated a British camp, killing a guard and injuring an officer. For this, he was awarded the Tagma-e-Shatrunash.
• He was elected as a Member of Parliament from Palampur in 1952 and held the position of Revenue Minister after the merger of the Punjab Hill Areas with Himachal Pradesh.

Shri Padam Dev

• Born on 26th January 1901 in Bhamnol, Rohru, Shimla, Padam Dev was a key figure in the Indian freedom movement.
• He actively participated in both the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920 and the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930.
• He founded and served as secretary of the Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal and was General Secretary of the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council.
• He was a staunch opponent of social evils like Reet (dowry), Begar (forced labor), untouchability, and prejudice against marginalized communities like the Kolis.
• He led the Suket Satyagraha in 1948 and became the first Home Minister of Himachal Pradesh after being elected to the Vidhan Sabha in 1952.

Vaid Shri Surat Singh

• Born on 22nd October 1918 in Habban, Sirmaur, he was an Ayurvedic scholar who became involved in the freedom movement in 1938.
• He was a key participant in the Pajhota Movement, an extension of the Quit India Movement in Sirmaur.
• Surat Singh was a founding member of the Sirmaur Praja Mandal, fighting for the rights of the people of the region.

Nicholas Roerich

• Born on 9th October 1874 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Roerich was a multifaceted personality, excelling in fields such as art, philosophy, and archaeology.
• He was deeply inspired by the beauty of the Himalayas and spent the last two decades of his life in Kullu Valley.
• Roerich created over 7,000 paintings, many of which were inspired by the majestic Himalayan landscapes. Some of his famous paintings include:
  • "Drops of Life"
  • "Banners of the East"
  • "Tibetans Strong Hold"
  • "The Last Angel"
• His written works include "Himalayas-the Abode of Light", "Altai Himalaya", and "Heart of Asia".
• Nicholas Roerich passed away on 13th December 1947, leaving behind a vast legacy.