Sahitya News Desk !!! Amarnath Jha (English: Amarnath Jha, born: 25 February, 1897; died: 2 September, 1955) was a famous scholar, litterateur and educationist of India. He was one of the strong supporters of English. Amarnath Jha made valuable contributions to take English to a respectable level and make it the official language. He was also known as a skilled speaker. He also wrote many books. In view of his contribution in the field of education, he was awarded ‘Padma Bhushan’ in the year 1954.
Birth and Education
Amarnath Jha was born on 25 February, 1897 in a village in Madhubani district of Bihar. His father Dr. Ganganath Jha was an internationally renowned scholar. Amarnath Jha was educated in Allahabad. He stood first in the M.A. examination of Allahabad University. Seeing his ability, he was appointed as a teacher in the Provincial Education Department even before passing his M.A.
Important facts related to education
Amarnath Jha studied in Colonelganj School from 1903 to 1906. In 1913, he passed the School Living Examination in first division and obtained special qualifications in English, Sanskrit and English. Then from 1913 to 1919, he continued to study in Muir Centre College, Prayag. During this time, in 1915, he secured fourth position in the University in Intermediate. Then in 1917, he secured first position in BA examination and in 1919, in MA examination. In 1917, he became a professor of English in Muir College at the age of 20. In 1929, he became a professor of English in the University. In 1921, he became the Senior Vice Chairman of Prayag Municipality. In the same year, he became the Minister of Public Library. He was the Vice-President of Poetry Society, London and was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He was the Vice-Chancellor of Prayag University from 1938 to 1947. In 1948, Amarnath became the Chairman of the Public Service Commission.[1]
attainment of higher positions
Amarnath Jha was appointed as an English teacher in Allahabad University in 1922. After being a professor and head of the department here, he became the Vice Chancellor of the University in 1938 and remained on this post till 1946. During his tenure, the university progressed a lot and it started being counted among the top educational institutions of the country. Later, he held the post of Vice Chancellor of Kashi Hindu University for one year and was the chairman of the Lok Leva Commission of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Compositions
The following are the works of Amarnath Jha
Sanskrit prose Ratnakar (1920) Sanskrit commentary of Dashakumaracharit (1916) English Sahitya Sangrah (1920) Padma Parag (1935) Shakespeare Comedy (1929) Literary Stories (1929) Hamlet (1924) Merchant of Venice (1930) Selection from Lord Morley (1919) Vichaardhaar (1954) High School Poetry
brilliant
Amarnath Jha went abroad for many important works. You were a pillar of the world of education. You were a high class ruler as well as a sportsman. Your work in the world of education is highly commendable. Amarnath ji’s studies were vast. He loved literature of all languages - English, Sanskrit, Urdu, English. This is evident from your criticisms in the English book ‘Vichardhara’. You were also a scholar of Bengali and a music lover. You also had a love for painting. Your feelings were not limited. You were a scientific thinker influenced by modernity. Jha sahab was the president of ‘Nagari Pracharini Sabha’ and was the chief editor of English Sahitya Ka Vrihat Itihaas. Your services in various forms will be remembered forever.
Awards and Honours
Dr. Amarnath Jha was a scholar of many languages. Allahabad and Agra universities awarded him the degree of LL.D. and Patna University awarded him the degree of D.Litt. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954.
Supporters of English
Dr. Amarnath Jha was one of the members of the commission formed to consider the question of making English the official language. He was a supporter of English and did not accept mixed language. Dr. Amarnath Jha also represented India in many international organizations.
demise
Amarnath Jha was also known as a skilled speaker. He also wrote many books. This great man who made a valuable contribution to the country and society died on 2 September 1955.
