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(xix ) versity (West Indies) as a Visiting Professor of Indology but an attack of Glaucoma resulted in his complete blindness.
He was a living profile in courage and dedication, who despite his complete blindness in the last 26 years of his life, worked indefatiguably and undeterred, almost single-handed, for a cause. Though blind he had a rare vision. He lost his eyesight in 1961 at the age of 49, when he was Head of Sanskrit Deptt. in the Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Delhi. After that (1961-69) he did intensive research work on the project 'Religion and Modern Man' as Professor Emeritus under University Grants Commission and produced many important works with the help of assistants. During these years he also delivered scholarly lectures all over India. By that time he had a nationwide formidable reputation for his contribution in the field of learning and social work. Publication and propagation of his distinguished writings of outstanding merit are of immense use not only for the academic world, but will specially provide the younger generation a new insight, rational and healthy approach with modern outlook towards religion, culture and tradition, the need of the hour.
Born on May 27, 1912 at Dabwali Mandi now in District Sirsa of Haryana, Dr. Shastri was a selfless and simple man who never cared for publicity, recognition or official favours. Only a few months before his death on Nov. 3, 1986 he was given official recognition in the form of 'Certificate of Honour', but he himself was not alive to receive it. The Lt. Governor of Delhi conferred upon him 'Sahitya Seva Samman' for the year 1984-85 on May 29, !986 on behalf of Hindi Academy, Delhi. The academic world and the society in general owe him a big debt. His genuine and integrated approach with endless zeal for creating social awareness was almost unique. He strengthened and promoted the fundamental democratic values of citizenship through socio-religious aspect. Born in a family of ordinary means, Dr. Shastri left home and parents at the age of nine and came to Bikaner for education. He composed Sanskrit slokas at the age of 13, almost a miracle. The spark within took him to far off places like Banaras, Madras, Calcutta, Bombay and finally he settled in Delhi. For
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