Balraj Puri | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 August 1928[1] Jammu, British India |
| Died | 30 August 2014(2014-08-30) (aged 86)[2] Jammu, India |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist,Writer |
| Known for | Human Rights |
| Spouse | Subhash Gupta |
| Relatives | Ellora Puri (daughter), Luv Puri (son)[1] |
Balraj Puri (1928-2014) was an IndianPolitical commentator and human rights activist.
A committed peace activist Balraj Puri began his career in journalism in 1942 and since then has worked in or edited several publications.
In his 68 years of public career, he has played a crucial role inIndian politics. He mediated the famous 1975Sheikh Abdullah-Indira Gandhi accord. He worked for communal harmony across India particularly inUttar Pradesh and Delhi. From India's first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru to the present Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Puri was constantly consulted on various aspects of the Kashmir issue. He also played an important role in restoring peace in Punjab in the 1980s.[3]
Puri was conferred thePadma Bhushan in 2005, one of India's highest civilian honors, in Literature and Education.[4] On 31 October 2009 he was honoured withIndira Gandhi Award for National Integration at Delhi by the then Prime MinisterManmohan Singh. Singh described Puri's bookKashmir towards Insurgency as a primer for anybody trying to understand the intricacies of Kashmir issue. Singh also remarked Balraj Puri's life has been one of selfless service to the society and to our country. It has been a life dedicated to the cause of promoting peace, good-will and communal harmony. It has been a life spent in building bridges between regions and communities.[5]
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| National | |
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