Noted social activist, thinker, writer and veteran Sangh Pracharak of Uttaranchal Dr Nityanand has been honoured with prestigious Vivekanada Sewa Samman for the year 2007. The award, instituted by Shree Burrabazar Kumarsabha Pustakalaya of Kolkata, will be presented at a function held on January 28 at Mahajati Sadan in Kolkata. The award consists of Rs 51,000 cash, a shawl, a memento and a citation. Dr Nityanand has been honoured for his outstanding services rendered to the rehabilitation of people of natural calamities and for all-round development in Uttaranchal.
Born on February 20, 1926 in Brij region of Agra, Dr Nityanand was a professor of geography in Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. After retirement, he completely dedicated himself to the service activities. He received his doctorate degree on the work regarding East Rajasthan. He also did a deeper study on the Himalayas in the wake of Chinese attack. He came in contact of RSS through Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya in 1940 and became a Sangh Pracharak in 1945. He founded Uttaranchal Utthan Parishad for all-round development of the Kumanu and Garhwal regions and started work for total development of five villages?Makhti Pokhari, Bhigun, Langra Bhoj, Patia and Bunga Kamalekh.
When the devastating earthquake hit the Garhwal region on October 21, 1991, the RSS founded Uttaranchal Daivi Apada Peerit Sahayata Samiti under the guidance of Dr Nityanand. The Samiti through the Keshavpuram Project started various projects for total prohibition, environment, health, social harmony, self-reliance and total literacy. The Project today runs 23 Ekal Vidyalayas, 12 Saraswati Shishu Mandirs, three Sanskar Kendras, two hostels, tree-plantation, vocational training centers. Dr Nityanand has also written Bharatiya Sangharsh ka Itihas, Muslim Tushtikaran: Vibhajan Ke Poorva Evam Pashchat, Uttaranchal Kyon? Ek Vivechan and The Holy Himalayas. He was also honoured with Bhaurao Deoras Sewa Samman in 1995. Kumarsabha Pustakalaya had started this award in 1987 in the memory of Swami Vivekanada to honour the personalities and organisations working for fulfilling the aspirations of Swami Vivekananda. Last year, this award had been given to Dr Vishwamitra of Meghalaya. (FOC)
