Dinanath Batra – The flag bearer of Bharatiyata in Education
Dinanath Batra was born on March 5, 1930 in Dera Ghazi Khan, which is now in present-day Pakistan. After completing his studies in Lahore University, Batra Ji started teaching. He also served as Principal of Geeta Vidyalaya, Kurukshetra.
Batra Ji was the flag bearer of the movement for a change in education through ‘Shiksha Bachao Andolan Samiti’. He was Principal of DAV School Derabassi Punjab from 1955 to 1965 and Geeta Senior Secondary School, Kurukshetra from 1965 to 1990. He worked as a member of the curriculum plan of Haryana Education Board, Delhi Education Board, Delhi Education Code Committee and Delhi Moral-Education Committee. He worked as General Secretary of Haryana Teachers Association and was Executive President of All India Hindustan Scouts Guide. He was National General Secretary and Vice-President of Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shikshan Sansthan.
As a member of the National Executive of Vidya Bharati, Batraji continuously worked for the improvement of national education. He also served as Director and Patron of Panchnad Shodh Sansthan and was a member of the Executive of National Council of Educational Research and Training. He was a member of the Executive of Indian Educational Research Institute, Lucknow. He was the President of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan and National Convener of Shiksha Bachao Andolan.
Batraji has authored numerous books. Some of those books are Shiksha ka Bharatiyakaran, Tejomay Bharat, Prernadeep – Part 1, 2, 3 and 4, Vidyalaya: pravrittiyon ka ghar, Shikshan mein triveni, Triveni of Education Examination and Evaluation, Vedic Mathematics, Acharya ka Acharytva jaage, Veervrat Param Saamarthya, Atmavat Sarvabhuteshu, Ma ka ahwahan, Puja ho to aisi and Hamara Lakshya.
For his work, Batraji was decorated with multiple awards including ‘Medal of Merit’ by His Excellency Governor in Bharat Scouts, Haryana, Certificate of Appreciation by Haryana Education Board, Honour for Best Teacher, National Award by President in the field of teaching, Certificate of Commendation by Bharat Vikas Parishad Haryana North Region, Swami Krishnananda Saraswati Award-2010, Bikaner Award Certificate, Sahitya Shri Award-2012, Swami Shri Akhandananda Saraswati and Distinguished Personality Award.
Former President of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and National Coordinator of Shiksha Bachao Andolan, inspirational teacher, great educationist, who dedicated his entire life to education, Hon. Dinanath Batra ji has completed his journey of this world and has gone on an eternal journey on November 7, 2024.
Dr. Ayush Gupta
