Narendra Dev (English: Narendra Deva, born- 31 October, 1889, Uttar Pradesh; death- 19 February 1956, Madras) was a famous scholar of India, socialist, thinker, educationist and patriot. It was due to the influence of his father that he was inclined towards politics. Narendra Dev was a person of hot thoughts. He was a member of the ‘All India Congress Committee’ from 1916 to 1948. For the independence of the country, he also made prison trips several times and remained closed in Ahmednagar Fort with Jawaharlal Nehru. Narendra ji’s personality was very extraordinary. He had equal rights on languages like Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian, English, Pali etc. He had special interest in the study of Buddhist philosophy etc.
Birth and naming
Narendra Dev was born on 31 October 1889 in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. His father’s name was Baldev Prasad, who was a famous lawyer. Narendra ji’s childhood name was Avinashi Lal. After some time his father returned to his native city Faizabad and this was where the childhood of imperishable Lal was spent here. A friend of his father changed his name to Narendra Dev. The atmosphere of the house was conscious in religious and social form. As a result, Narendra Dev saw the dignitaries like Swami Ramatirtha, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya at his home. It is from here that an affection for Indian culture arose in him and due to his father’s influence, there was also an inclination towards politics.
Professional life
After completing his education, Narendra Dev advocated in Faizabad till 1920 under his professional life, but he gave up advocates as soon as the ‘non -cooperation movement’ of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was there. Later, on the consultation of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, he left as a teacher in ‘Kashi Vidyapeeth’. In 1926, Narendra Dev also became the Vice Chancellor of this institution. It was here that Sriprakash started calling you from ‘Aanarya’ address, which remained part of his name throughout his life.
Entry into politics
Acharya Narendra Dev was to participate in the activities of politics from student life. He was known for the personality of his hot thoughts. From 1916 to 1948, he was a member of the ‘All India Congress Committee’. He was also an active member of the ‘Congress Working Committee’ along with Nehru.
Jail travel
In the movements of 1930, 1932 and 1942, Acharya Narendra Dev traveled to jail. He also remained closed in Ahmednagar Fort with Jawaharlal Nehru ji etc. from 1942 to 1945. It was here that Nehruji got him amended in the manuscript of his famous book “Discovery of India” after being influenced by his tradition.
Resignation from Congress
‘Congress Samajwadi Party’ was formed in 1934 under the chairmanship of Acharya Narendra Dev to take the Congress towards socialist ideas. Jayaprakash Narayan was its secretary. Gandhiji used to respect Acharya very much. In the first meeting, he described Acharya as ‘great Nararatna’. After the Congress deciding that there would be no other party inside it, Acharya Narendra Dev along with his colleagues of Samajwadi Party also left the Congress party. Along with leaving the party, he had presented a new ideal of political morality by resigning from the Legislative Assembly won on the party ticket.
Language scholar
Political consciousness and scholarship had extraordinary harmony in Narendra Dev. He knew Sanskrit, Hindi, English, Urdu, Persian, Pali, Bungalow, French and Prakrit languages very well. After ‘Kashi Vidyapeeth’, Acharya Narendra Dev left his mark on the education world as the Vice Chancellor of ‘Lucknow University’ and ‘Kashi Hindu University’.
Composition work
Narendra Dev had a special interest in the study of Buddhist philosophy. Many texts of this subject ‘Buddhist Dharma Darshan’ and ‘Abhidharma Kosh’ are very famous. Acharya ji was also a high -quality speaker. Following are the compilation of his important speeches-
Nationality and Socialism Socialism: Target and Instrument Socialist Party and Marxism History of India’s National Movement War and India Farmers’ Questions and magazines, Acharya Narendra Dev, Acharya Narendra Dev called ‘Sangharsh’ and ‘Sangharsh’, ‘Janvani’ monthly and ‘Vidyapeeth’ quarterly Also edited the magazine.
Death
Acharya ji was a patient of asthma for life. Due to this disease, he died on 19 February 1956 AD in Ador of Madras (present Chennai). He went there for his health benefits at the invitation of his friend and then Governor of Madras, Sriprakash.
