Shri Hem Raj

HEM RAJ, SHRI, B.A., LL.B., Cong., (Himachal Pradesh—Kangra—1967): s. of Shri Khazana Mal; b. at vill. Dera Gopipur, Distt. Kangra, November 13, 1904: ed. at D.A.V. High School, Hoshiarpur, D.A.V. College, Lahore and Law College, Lahore; widower; 3 S. and 6 D.; Advocate; participated in the Satyagraha in 1941 and imprisoned; Pleader’s licenee cancelled from 1941—44; President, Kangra Tehsil Congress Committee, 1938—44; Kangra D.C.C., 1948—51; Vice-President, Kangra D.C.C., 1937—41; General Secretary, Kangra D.C.C., 1945-46 and again 1951—57; Member, A.I.C.C., 1954—57; Punjab Pradesh Bharat Sewak Samaj Board, 1958—62; Punjab Pradesh Hindi Sahitya Sammelan. 1958—62; Punjab Pradesh Constructive Board, 1958—62; Punjab Pradesh Harijan Sewa Sangh, 1958—62; Consultative Committee of Ministry of Irrigation & Power, 1952—67; President, All India Postal Workers’ Union, Class III, Punjab Branch, 1953—55; Member, Executive Committee, Congress Party in Parliament, 1965—67; President, Kangra District Lajpatrai Centenary Memorial Committee, 1964— 66; Associate Member, Inaccessible Areas Committee, 1952—56: Member, National Railway Users Advisory Council, 1960—62; Public Accounts Committee, 1961—63; Committee on Subordinate Legislation, 1953—56; Steel, Mines & Fuel Consultative Committee, 1957—64; Defence Consultative Committee, 1957—67; Transport Consultative Committee, 1957—67; All India Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen’s Board, 1963—67; All India Tribal Welfare Board, 1963—67; Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions Committee, 1957— 67; Punjab Hill Areas Committee, 1957—67; Committee on Government Assurances, 1965—67; Member, Parliamentary Committee on Punjabi Suba, 1965-66; Member, First Lok Sabha, 1952— 57; Second Lok Sabha, 1957—62 and Third Lok  Sabha, 1962—67.

Social Activities:  Manager of various educational institutions; Convener, Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Fund and Gandhi National Memorial Fund; champion for the cause of Harijans; District Convener, Bharat Sewak Samaj, 1953—56 and Harijan Sevak Sangh, 1955-56 ; led District Bhoodan Jatha 1955 ; Secretary, Bar  Association, Kangra ,1929-38 and its President, 1946-48; President, Arya  Samaj, Kangra, 1950-51.

Hobby:  Gardening.

Favourite pastime and recreation:  Hiking, boating, mountaineering, contributing articles in magazines and study of religious books.

Special interests:  Tribal welfare and Harijan uplift; community development and village uplift, especially of the backward hill areas on the northern border of India; forests and transportation.

Sports:  Hockey.

Permanent address:  Village and P.O. Dera Gopipur, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.