Balram Jakhar Biography

Balram Jakhar is a prominent name in the Indian political scenario. He is a an eminent Parliamentarian and the Governor of Madhya Pradesh since 2004.

He was born to Chaudhari Rajaram Jakhar and Patodevi Jakhar in the Panchkosi village of Ferozepur district, Punjab on August 23,1923. He studied in Foreman Christian College in Lahore and got a degree in Sanskrit in 1945. He married Rameshwari Devi and they have three sons and two daughters.

Balram Jakhar was elected as the member of the Punjab Assembly for the first time in 1972. In 1977 he was reelected and also became the leader of the opposition. He was elected to the seventh Lok Sabha from his birthplace Ferozepur in 1980 and then in 1985 Lok Sabha elections he won from Sikar. From 1980 to 1989, he served as the speaker of the Lok Sabha.

He was the man behind the computerization and automation of Parliamentary works. He promoted the Parliament library, research work, reference, documentation and information services to facilitate usage and knowledge of members of the Parliament. He also contributed to the establishment of Parliament Museum. He was the first Asian to be elected as the Chairman of Commonwealth Parliamentarian Executive Forum.

In 1991, he became the Agricultural Minister in the Congress government. Balram Jakhar is the president of Jalianwala Bagh Memorial Trust Mangement Committee and the lifelong President of Bharat Krishak Samaj. A farmer at heart he has contributed a lot in the use of scientific techniques in agriculture. In 1975, the President of India awarded him with the Udyan Pandit award for his contribution to Horticulture. He has also penned a book titled People, Parliament and Administration.

He has been awarded the Doctor of Science and Vidya Martand honorary degrees by Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar and Gurukul Kangri Visvavidyalaya, Haridwar. His hobbies include Sports and Reading.

Since 30th June 2004, he holds the post of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh.