SHARMA, SHRI BENI SHANKER B.A.,B.L., J.S., (Bihar-Banka—1967):  s. of Pandit Baliram Sharma; b. at Banka, January 24, 1907; ed. at R.M.K. H.E. School, Banka, TNJ College, Bhagalpur and Calcutta University; m. Smt. Ganga Debi, 1920; 1 S. Advocate, Journalist and Social “Worker; started life as an Asstt. Editor of Hindi daily “Viswamitra” of Calcutta; previously associated with Indian National Congress; Member of the Marwari Relief Society, a well known social service institution since 1934 and its Vice-President from 1942 to 1945; organised relief work at Muzaffarpur during the 1934 Bihar Earthquake under the auspices of the Society; Secretary, Poddar Chhatra Niwas Calcutta for a number of years; Member, Rajendra Chhatra Niwas Committee, Calcutta; Founder-Secretary, of the Marwari Chhatra Sangh, Calcutta, 1931; edited the “Marwari” a literary quarterly magazine published by Marwari Chhatra Sangh for three years; Founder-Member, Rajasthan Research Society, Calcutta; actively associated with Ramakrishna Mission, and its Rajasthan Branch and Swami Vivekanand Samriti Mandir, Khetri, Bharat Seva Ashram Sangh, All India Sanskrit Sahitya Sammelan, Delhi, “Baba Kalikamaliwala Panchayat Kshetra, Hardwar; Joint Secretary, Samved Pathshala, Calcutta; Secretary, Reception Committee, All India Sanskrit Sahitya Sammelan, Calcutta Session, 1963; President, Bangiya Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, Howrah Session; connected with various other social and educational institutions of Calcutta; founded the Pandit Baliram Sharma Block in R.M.K. H.E. School, Banka; established the Kshama Devi Pustakalya and Pandit Baliram Sharma College at Banka in 1965; at present Secretary, Pandit Baliram Sharma College, Banka, and Member Marwari College, Bhagalpur.

Favourite, pastime and recreation:  Heading and writing.

Special interests:  Finance, Income Tax, Industries, Commerce, Defence and Education.

Books Published:  “Swami Vivekananda: A Forgotten Chapter of His Life” (in English and Bengali) and hundreds of articles in Hindi and English.

Travels abroad:  East Pakistan.

Permanent address:  229, Chittaranjan Avenue, Calcutta—6.