Raipur: The constitution of India-the longest constitution written in the world has always been associated with Dr B R Ambedkar. While Dr Ambedkar was undoubtedly its architect, little is known about the man who translated it into Hindi.
It was Chhattisgarh's Dr Ghanshyam Gupta who drafted the Hindi version of the Indian Constitution.
In the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly, held before Independence in the year 1946, members floated the proposal of the Constitution being translated in Hindi so that it can be read by common people.
The first meeting of the translation committee took place in 1947. In the meeting, Ghanshyam Gupta was made the Chairman of the committee. The 41-member committee included many linguists and law experts.
Dr Gupta handed over the translated Hindi copy of the Constitution to Dr Rajendra Prasad on 24 January, 1950.
Early Life
Ghanshyam Gupta was born on 18 December, 1885 in Durg. He completed his elementary education from Durg and Raipur.
Gupta continued to complete his higher education from Allahabad and Jabalpur.
He was the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of 'CP-Berar' state for about 15 years.
Even after independence, he continued to work for women's education, social consciousness and raised his voice against stopping religious conversions.
Gupta and Mahatma Gandhi Bonding
Ghanshyam Gupta and Mahatma Gandhi had close ties during the freedom struggle. Bapu often praised Ghanshyam for his linguistic knowledge.
During his visit to Chhattisgarh, Bapu also stayed at Gupta's house.
Ghanshyam also had good connections with the Congress party and held a reputed position in the party.
Ghanshyam Gupta breathed his last breath on 13 June 1976 leaving behind thousands of hearts filled with inspiration.
Ghanshyam's work involved crucial tasks, such as framing of the Indian Constitution and translating it into Hindi, yet only a handful of people in the state recognize his contribution.
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