Late Hariharrao V. Deshpande

A veteran freedom fighter, staunch nationalist and a man of literary merit; graduated from Tilak Maharastra Vidyapit Pune in 1925. Author of several books on history; contributed many articles on varied subjects such as history, politics, ayurveda, physical education, religion, philosophy, etc. in religion newspapers and magazines. He was a free lancer journalist. Editor of Marathi monthly magazine ‘Arogya Mandir’ of Panvel, Correspondent of English and Marathi dailies of Nagpur.

He was member of the State Committee on compiling history of freedom movement in Madhya Pradesh.

He was honorary general secretary of the famous Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, Amravati in early forties, and was also organizing secretary of the First All-India Physical Education Conference held at Amravati in 1946. Later on, he became the founder secretary of National Association of Physical Education and recreation (1948-1958).

He was taken up on the Physical Welfare Board of Govt. of India in 1948 and then subsequently became member of Central Advisory Board of Physical Education and Recreation (1954-1962). He served in the State Govt. as Liaison and Welfare Officer, Home Guards (1948-1960). He also served on various committees and Study Boards of Nagpur University.

He represented India as sn official speaker at the II world Lingiad Festival Sweden in 1949 and toured extensively in Europe along with the Indian contingent sponsored by H.V.P. Mandal, Amravati.

He had keen interest in promoting scientific and literary research in our age – old sciences and arts of physical culture. It was his latent force which was backing me into completion of this work.