Born in Calcutta. Studied at St. Edwards High School, Shimla, St. Xavier's College , Calcutta and Aligarh Muslim University. Started his career in the Indian Foreign Service in 1961. Was Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Indian High Commissioner to Australia and Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Is a renowned West Asia scholar. Was awarded the Padma Shri in 1984. Former Chairman, National Commission for Minorities (2006) .... Read More

Is a dedicated, constructive Gandhian social worker, freedom fighter and Sarvodaya leader. Started working as a non-formal teacher at his own village, Kumarada. Drew inspiration from eminent Gandhian workers of Orissa. All his activities are undertaken by the Banabasi Seva Samiti founded by him. Fearlessly attacks social evils such as the dowry system, superstitions etc. Set up schools and vocational educational institutions for self reliance. Provided special hostels and orphanages f .... Read More

Master of Arts, Bachelor of Education Is the Secretary of the Tagore Society for Rural Development, Kolkata. It focuses on the areas relating to childhood education, adult education, comprehensive health programme, social forestry and ecological development. His forte has been in the field of applying appropriate technology to the inaccessible regions of the Sunderbans in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The region has the world's largest mangrove forest famous for the R .... Read More

Comes from a very humble background. Was married to a Yadav boy engaged in cattle grazing at the age of 10. Belongs to the B.P.L. category (below poverty line). Came in the limelight when she participated in the "Mahila Olympic" organized by the district administration and won the 1st prize in the "cycle race". Took part in self help groups in her village. Formed the 'Pragya Mahila Samooh', 'Kiraya Bhandar', 'Bazar Theka' and ration shops. Thus .... Read More

7 Years in Roman Catholic Seminary of Thones, France. 3 Years (Bachelor degree) in Philosophy and Bible Theology with University of Strasbourg (France). Joined Lanza del Vasto (Shantidas), a disciple of Gandhiji, in the Community of the Ark, in France. Was initiated into non-violent demonstrations and fasts organized to protest against French nuclear tests. In 1978, created the Mosaic Association to take care of the "Social Handicapped" people (drug addicts, alcoholics, .... Read More