BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

BAIRAGI, SHRI BALKAVI :

M.A.(Hindi); I.N.C. (Madhya Pradesh); s. of Shri Dwarikadasji Bairagi and Shrimati Dhapubai Bairagi; b. at Rampura, District-Nimach (M.P.), February 10,1931; ed. at Manasa, Rampura, Mandsaur and Ujjain; m. Shrimati Sushilchandrika Bairagi, May 17, 1954; 2 s. Writer, Poet and Agriculturist; has been actively participating in Kavya Samarohs and Kavi Sammelans in the country since last fifty years; associated with the Indian National Congress since 1945; Member, (i) Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, 1967-72 and 1980-84 and (ii) Eighth Lok Sabha, 1984-89; was Parliamentary Secretary and Minister of State for Information, Publicity, Language, Tourism and General Administration, Government of Madhya Pradesh, 1969-72; was Minister of State (Independent charge), Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Madhya Pradesh; elected to the Rajya Sabha in June, 1998. Travels abroad : Mauritius, Germany, U.S.A. and U.K.

Accomplishment in arts and science: Respectfully invited and acclaimed in Hindi Kavi Sammelans all over India and abroad; script writer of a few documentary films and song writer of about 16-17 Hindi films; song and dialogue writer of a Malvi film, `Bhadava Mata'; honoured with a number of awards and prizes in the field of literature.

Publications : Author of more than two dozen books; Poetry : (i)Darad-Diwani, (ii) Joojh Raha Hai Hindustan, (iii) Bhavi Rakshak Desh Ke, (iv) Aao Bachchon, (v) Gao Bachchon, (vi) Ret Ke Rishte, (vii) Koi To Samjhe, (viii) Man He Man, (ix) O Amaltas, (x) Dadi Ka Karz, (xi) Do Took, (xii) Vanshaj Ka Vaktavya and (xiii) Sheelvati Aag and Malvi Poetry :(i) Aai Javo Maidan Mein and (ii) Chatakh Mhara Champa; Novel : Sarpanch (co-authored); Travelogue: (i) Berlin Se Babboo Ko and (ii) Kutch Ka Padayatri, etc.; contributes to a number of leading newspapers and magazines.

Special interest : Interest in spiritual activities.

Favourite pastime and recreation : Reading, writing, travelling, participation in symposiums and seminars, letter writing, study of literature, meditation, music, art, drama, films, etc.

Permanent address : 153-A, Shikshak Nagar, Post-Neemuch-458441 (Madhya Pradesh).