125th Birth Anniversary of Dr.Panjabrao alias Bhausaheb Deshmukh (Denomination of `125) Proof -Wooden Packing (FGCO001473)

Shikshan Maharshi, Krishi Ratna Dr. Panjabrao alias Bhausaheb Deshmukh was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of society. An erudite scholar and an instinctive philanthropist, he was a renowned educationist and social reformer.

Bhausaheb worked tirelessly to promote rural development and education, especially in the backward region of Vidarbha. He laid a firm foundation for the dissemination of education among the downtrodden and the dispossessed of the region. He established the Shri Shivaji Education Society at Amravati in 1932. He also established the “Shivaji Lokvidyapitha” at Amravati which was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first president of the Republic India. His contribution in education field has been recognized by the Government of Maharashtra through a scholarship programme in his name.

Bhausaheb was a pioneer of modern agriculture and scientific farming. He was Minister for Agriculture of our country. He promoted the use of improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanization in agriculture. He introduced crop insurance and minimum support price for farmers. He established the “Bharat Krushak Samaj” and launched a campaign called “Food for Millions” in 1955. He brought in Japanese method of rice cultivation in 1958 and organized the World Agriculture Fair at Delhi in 1959. He was instrumental in the formation of the Agricultural Credit Department and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

He campaigned for the rights and dignity of the oppressed and marginalized sections of society. He organized the “Untouchability Eradication Conference” at Amravati, Maharashtra under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and led a satyagraha to gain for untouchables entry into the Amba Devi Temple in Amravati. Bhausaheb was a member of the Constituent Assembly and played a vital role in the drafting of the Constitution of India. Dr B. R. Ambedkar, while addressing the Constituent Assembly on 25 November, 1949, recognized his pivotal role in this regard.

He passed away on 10 April 1965 in Delhi. His legacy lives on through his institutions and achievements that have benefited millions of people.