Dinanath Batra, a prominent educationist recognized for his support of value-based education and contributions to Indian educational reforms, died on November 6, 2024, at the age of 84.
Batra was generally regarded for his contributions to altering the Indian educational system, notably in encouraging the incorporation of Indian culture, tradition, and values into the curriculum. He was a strong supporter of teaching Sanskrit and adding moral education to develop patriotism and traditional values in children.
Dinanath Batra is the national convenor of the Shiksha Bachao Andolan Samiti and the founder and president of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas.
Batra was born on March 5, 1930, in Rajanpur district, Dera Ghazi Khan (now Pakistan), and began teaching in 1955 at DAV School in Dera Bassi, Punjab. He eventually became the principal at Kurukshetra from 1965 until 1990.
Batra’s impact extended to textbook changes, where he advocated for a more authentic portrayal of Indian history and cultural identity.
Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-convenor of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Dinanath Batra, lauded his efforts in revising textbooks and syllabi to incorporate the ideals of nationalism and the contributions of India’s great leaders. Mahajan wrote on X: “Saddened by the demise of Shri Dinanath Batra, President of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, and a prominent educationist. His endeavors in amending textbooks and syllabi, incorporating nationalism and contribution of our great leaders, will be greatly remembered. A great national loss.”
Batra was honored with the prestigious President’s Award and numerous other accolades for his unrelenting commitment to education. These included the Swami Krishnananda Saraswati Samman, Swami Akhandananda Saraswati Samman, and Bhaurao Deoras Samman. His continuous attempts to instill Indianness in the educational system had a big impact on the establishment of the National Education Policy 2020.
Dinanath Batra’s body will be housed in Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas’ central office in Narayan Vihar, New Delhi, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on November 8, so that the public can pay their respects.
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Source: Mint
