Narasimha Gopalaswami Ayyangar

Narasimha Gopalaswami Ayyangar, born on March 31, 1882, in Tanjore, Madras, was a prominent figure in India’s history, serving as Diwan of Jammu and Kashmir and playing a pivotal role in the drafting of India’s Constitution.

About Narasimha Gopalaswami Ayyangar:

• Narasimha Gopalaswami Ayyangar was born on March 31, 1882, in Tanjore, Madras.
• He studied at Wesley School and later at Presidency College, Madras.
• He served as District Collector and Member of the Board of Revenue in the Madras Civil Service.
• He was appointed as the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Jammu and Kashmir in 1937.
• He was elected to the Council of States from 1943 to 1947.
• He was elected to the Constituent Assembly by the Madras Assembly.

Early Life

• His educational background included notable institutions like Wesley School and Presidency College.

Role in India’s Independence Movement

• Known for his administrative abilities.
• His political contributions began with his role as Prime Minister of Kashmir.
• He implemented reforms in education, industry, rural development, the Forest Department, and the tourism sector of Kashmir.

Contribution to Constitution-Making

• Part of the seven-member Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.
• Played a crucial role in shaping Article 370, defining the special relationship between the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Union.

Later Contributions

• Served as a minister without a specific portfolio in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet between 1947-48.
• Led the Indian delegation at the United Nations for the Kashmir dispute in 1948.
• As Minister for Railways and Transport from 1948 to 1952, he was instrumental in regrouping the Indian Railways into six zonal systems, leading to surplus earnings.
• Served as Defence Minister from 1952 to 1953.
• Represented India in Kashmir negotiations at the Geneva talks in 1952.

Writings

• Authored the “Report on Reorganization of the Government Machinery” in 1949, which contributed to the formation of several key committees by the Union Government.

Values

• Promoted values of secularism, patriotism, and objectivity.

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