Uma Shankar Dikshit – Indian freedom fighter and Congress politician

Uma Shankar Dikshit was an Indian freedom fighter and politician who lived during the period, 1901 – 1991. He was a parliamentarian, cabinet minister and governor of two states – Karnataka and West Bengal during the period, 1976-1977 and 1984-1986 respectively. Prominent female politician and three-term CM of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit is his daughter-in-law. His son Vinod Dikshit is a former IAS officer, and grandson Sandeep Dikshit, a 2-term parliamentarian. He served as Home Minister (1973 -1974) and has handled shipping & transport and health portfolios while serving as cabinet minister.

Uma Shankar Dikshit was born in Ugu, Unnao district, present-day Uttar Pradesh. He actively participated in Indian freedom movement and has been jailed four times. It also marked his political journey, and he was fully active in social activities till his late 80s. When Congress party faced a spilt in 1969, he supported Indira Gandhi and also joined cabinet in 1971. After retiring from active politics, he served as governor twice and was suffering from prolonged illness before he died aged 90.

Uma Shankar Dikshit – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. He served as the Treasurer of All India Congress Committee during 1970-75.

2. He received Padma Vibhushan in 1989 for his contributions towards social service and politics.