Bharat Ratna award winners in 1957

Govind Ballabh Pant -(1887-1961)

Govind Ballabh Pant was an Indian politician from Uttarkhand who took part in the Indian freedom struggle. He worked to establish Hindi as the official language of India. He served as the Chief Minister of United Provinces and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He was born on 10th September 1887 in Khoont village of Shyahi Devi hills in Almora district. His parents are Manorath Pant and Govindi. He was brought up by his grandfather Bandri Dutt Joshi.

He started his career as a lawyer in Kashipur. The joined Indian Independence Movement in 1914. He entered politics in 1921 and was elected as the member of the Legislative Assembly of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. He organized Salt March in 1930 and was arrested and imprisoned by the British government. He was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1934. He became the deputy leader of the Congress party in the Assembly.

He was arrested in 1940 for organizing the Satyagraha movement and in 1942 for taking part in Quit India resolution. He had to spend many years in prison. Due to his failing health, Jawaharlal Nehru pleaded for his release in March 1945.

According to the Government of India Act 1935, provincial elections were held in 1937. Govind Ballabh Pant was made the Chief Minister on 17th July 1937 and continued in power till 1939. He resigned in 1939 together with all the ministers when viceroy declared war without consulting them which led to the clash with the Indian National Congress. In the 1946 elections again Congress won and Pant was made as the Chief Minister.