Born in Santiniketan, to a distinguished landed family from East Bengal (now Bangladesh). Received high-school education at St. Gregory's School in Dhaka in 1941. Then studied at the Visva-Bharati University school and Presidency College, Kolkata. Moved to Trinity College, Cambridge, where earned a First Class First Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 1956 and then a Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) in 1959. Has taught economics at Calcutta, Jadavpur University, Delhi School of Economics, .... Read More

Bachelor of Science, University of Travancore Participated in the Quit India Movement while only a student. In 1944, organized the Trivandrum Student Settlement, an Ashram Hostel in which 35 selected college students lived and worked for the Constructive Movement. During 1946-47, Gandhiji's fast resulting into hostilities between the Hindus and Muslims melting away motivated him to plunge into the field of constructive work. Organized many centres and conducted study courses for s .... Read More

Post-Graduate in Hindi (Allahabad) Ayurvedic physician (Rishikul Ayurvedic Mahavidyalaya, Uttar Pradesh Was associated with the "Sampurna Kranti" movement of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan during his student days in the seventies. Formed the Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS). Began organizing villagers for the repair and deepening of old johads. Introduced community-led institutions, that is, Gram Sabhas, Mahila Banks, River Parliament etc. in each village and initiated an awareness ca .... Read More

Started social work in 1946 immediately after graduation. Started the Vikas Vidyalaya in 1946 in Wadhwan. This institution now has a number of branches in different parts of Gujarat. The objective is to achieve the welfare of women and children living in the worst social and economic conditions. The Vikas Vidyalaya has started a Primary School, 2 Girls' High Schools, a Polytechnic, a College for Handicrafts, Teachers' Training Colleges for Bachelor of Education, Vocational Training Pr .... Read More

Graduate in Economics, Doctor of Philosophy President of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) since 1975 and Honorary President of Soka Gakkai since 1979. For SGI members, Buddhism is a practical philosophy of individual empowerment and inner transformation that enables people to develop themselves and take responsibility for their lives. The promotion of peace, culture and education is central to SGI's activities. It is recognized by the United Nations (UN) as a NGO. It co-operates with t .... Read More