A Lifetime of Achievement: Shri Ram Bahadur Rai of SGT University Receives Padma Bhushan
SGT University is proud to announce that its esteemed Chancellor, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor. This recognition celebrates his extraordinary contributions to journalism, education, and literature. The award was presented by the Government of India on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, highlighting his unwavering dedication to shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the nation.
A Stalwart in Journalism and Literature
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai is a distinguished journalist, educator, and author who has spent decades championing knowledge and truth. His illustrious career began with Hindustan Samachar, where he played a pivotal role in covering significant historical events, such as the Bangladesh Liberation War, providing compelling eyewitness accounts that were published in the Hindi daily, Aaj. He later served as Bureau Chief and News Editor of Jansatta and briefly as Special Correspondent for Navbharat Times, setting unparalleled standards in Indian journalism.
His legacy extends into Hindi literature, with impactful biographies such as *Manjil se Jyada Safar* (on former Prime Minister V. P. Singh), *Shashwat Vidrohi Rajneta* (on Acharya J. B. Kripalani), and *Rahvari ke Sawal* (on Chandrashekhar). His acclaimed work, *Bharatiya Samvidhan: Anokhi Kahani*, provides insights into the drafting process of the Indian Constitution and its historical significance. Another notable contribution, *Bharat Mai Samaajvaad Ka Itihas*, serves as an essential resource for understanding the socialist movement in India.
A Legacy of Commitment to Democracy
As a close associate of freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai played an instrumental role in the JP Movement and the protests against the Emergency, solidifying his lifelong commitment to democracy and justice.
His leadership extends across several prestigious institutions. He is the President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Board and a Patron of the Integrated Talent Development Mission (ITDM). He has received numerous accolades, including the Madhavrao Sapre National Journalism Award, the Manikchandra Vajpayi National Journalism Award, the Bhagwandas Journalism Award, the Satyagrahi Samman, and the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Award.
Transformative Vision for SGT University
Under his leadership, SGT University has achieved remarkable milestones, including its role as a co-sponsor of the Conference of Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence, addressed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Shri Ram Bahadur Rai presided over this historic event, which was attended by over 350 university leaders.
Reflecting on SGT University’s growth, he stated, “I am confident that through dedicated efforts, the university will continue to advance its mission to produce capable, responsible, and community-driven individuals.” SGT University extends its heartfelt congratulations to Shri Ram Bahadur Rai on this well-deserved honor and remains committed to achieving greater excellence under his guidance.