Shri Baloolalji Panagariya was born in a illustrious family at time when it was facing economic crisis, in a small village-SUWANA, of Bhilwara Distt. He was educated in pre-independent Banera and Udaipur cities,of erstwhile Mewar state. A brilliant student, his education upto intermediate was made possible with the help of some teachers and benevolence of few resourceful people of Society.
While studying, he had to take up part-time jobs and because of the conditions prevailing at that time he aligned himself with the freedom movement sweeping through the country. In doing so, he came in contact with several freedom fighters. In fact, it was these freedom fighters who suggested that he join services in erstwhile state of Mewar. This he did and later on went on to work in Rajasthan and finally in Greater Rajasthan.
His valuable experience of working in courts- as an editor of Lokwani and a correspondent of Bombay Chronicle, gave him valuable experience of different facets of Politics of Rajasthan. He oversaw several ministers and chief ministers coming and going. Later on, he joined the Rajasthan Secretariat Services (during this period he completed his B.A. and L.Lb with Merit). At the same time he worked with various departments and this invaluable experience of his later became a testimony of development of Rajasthan History - political, social and economical.
Rajasthan Ka Itihaas (published in 1983, released by Late Prime Minister Smt. Indiara Gandhi), Rajasthan Mein Swatantrata Sangram(awarded by Government of Rajasthan); Rajasthan Ki Arthavyavastha (Planning & Development); Political, Socio-Economic and Cultural History of Rajasthan; Rajasthan Polity, Economy and Society- these are a few of his books tracing and recording the development of Rajasthan as a socio-linguistic state.
This he followed with Indian Economy on Cross Roads. Kashmir- paradise in turmoil is a testimony of his depth of knowledge on this subject and brings out a true picture of the problem and its source. He also wrote his autobiography.
He was a true nationalsit . If one happened to visit his living room, he or she would find big pictures of towering leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt.Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Dr. S.Radha Krishnan, Mrs. Indira Gandhi adorning the four walls. The room looked like a small integrated nation of a true Nationalist.
In a career spanning several decades, both in active service as well as after retiring from active service, he contributed to several dailies & magazines with his thought provoking and incisive articles. He was also associated with many educational institutes (including University of Rajasthan), social organisations, commercial organisations like SEBI and was nominee Director on board of Jaipur Stock Exchange etc.
Inspite of all these engagements, he always played Bridge- the game of the intellectuals, on weekends, for many decades. During these sessions, he would not meet any person, even a V.I.P.. This habit kept him fresh, tension-free and helped him nurture his sharp and witty intellect till the last days of his life.
Extremely polite and always ready to fight injustice he was always ready to help anybody and everybody.
In fond memory of our Father who was a Friend, Philosopher and Guide to all of us, we have taken up this noble task of providing employment to Senior age group professionals as our True Homage to Him and his Ideals. There can be no better homage to him- who himself had helped several people to find meaningful employment even in the twilight years of their lives.
Ravi K Panagariya
Asha Panagariya |
