Rana Pratap Singh, the key man behind the beginning of Shishu Mandir Yojna by Vidya Bharati, passed away recently in Lucknow. He was 79. He is survived by his wife, a married daughter, daughter-in-law and a grandson. His son had passed away about two years back. He had lost his memory about 15 years back and was sick for some time.
The Shishu Manidr Yojna of Vidya Bharati had begun from Uttar Pradesh in 1952 and the Shishu Shiksha Management Committee was constituted on August 28, 1958. Rana Pratap Singh was founder secretary of this Samiti. His contribution is still remembered in formulating various policies for Shishu Mandirs. Syllabus development, rules for Acharays, salary structure of the Acharyas, foundation of Acharya Kalyan Kosh and writing various books for students and Acharyas are some of the major achievements of Ranaji. He wrote various books like Swami Vivekananda Prerak Jivan, Dharamkshetre Kurukshetre, Mahrishi Vyas ki Kathayen, Bhagini Nivedita, Krantikariyon ki Gaurav Gatha, for children. Bharatiyata ke Aradhak Ham and Saraswati Shishu Mandir Yojna: Ek Parichaya have also been written by him. He had very close association with Shri Guruji, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya, Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhaurao Deoras and Rajju Bhaiya etc.
(FOC)
