Varanasi: Banaras Hindu University will institute a Gold Medal in the memory of renowned educationist and philosopher Bharat Ratna Dr Bhagwan Das, who worked closely with Mahamana Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya and Annie Besant in the pursuit of shaping India’s education landscape and contributing to nation-building. Dr Pushkar Ranjan and Samir Kant, great grandsons of Dr Bhagwan Das have donated a sum of Rs 10 lakh for instituting the gold medal. They called on Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi on Monday and handed over the cheque to him. The medal will be presented to a meritorious student of LL.M programme in Human Rights and Duties Education (HRDE) at the Faculty of Law.The VC said that the legacy of Dr Bhagwan Das continues to inspire one and all, and members of BHU fraternity are proud to have his close and long association. BHU also has a hostel named after Dr Bhagwan Das, celebrating his legacy.Dr Bhagwan Das was conferred upon India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1955 in recognition of his exemplary social, political, and literary contributions to the nation. Describing the donation as a welcoming initiative undertaken for a noble cause, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude on behalf of the university. He also recalled several important aspects of Dr Bhagwan Das’ life and work, including his contribution to the establishment of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith.
