Biography of Bal Ram Jhakar

(August 23, 1923)

The veteran leader of Congress, Bal Ram Jhakar was born on August 23, 1923, at Panjkosi in the Ferozepur district of Punjab. Since his childhood, he was excellent in his studies. He completed his graduation from Christian College, Lahore in 1945. Besides being a graduate in Sanskrit, he was well versed in other languages like English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi.

Jhakar's political career began in 1972 when he entered the Legislative Assembly of Punjab. Jakhar continued to be a member of the assembly till 1980 when he won from the Lok Sabha constituency of Ferozepur. Immediately, he was entrusted with the post of Lok Sabha Speaker. As the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, he carried on the business of the house with utmost dignity, decorum, and deference.

Through his action and rules, he proved that the House is the ultimate master of its own procedures. It was during his tenure that the famous Anti-Defection Law was passed by the Parliament.