Dr Balram Jakhar (b. Aug 23, 1923) is a well known Parliamentarian and Governor of Madhya Pradesh, India. He was born in Jat family of Panchkosi village of Ferozepur district in Punjab on 23 August 1923. His father’s name is Chaudhari Rajaram Jakhar and mother’s name is Patodevi Jakhar. He got a degree in Sanskrit from Foreman Christian College, Lahore, in 1945. He has knowledge of English, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit and Punjabi languages.
Dr Balram Jakhar was elected to the Punjab assembly in 1972 and was re-elected in 1977 and became the Leader of the Opposition. He was elected to the seventh Lok Sabha from Ferozepur in 1980 and re-elected to the eighth Lok Sabha from Sikar in 1985.He served as speaker of Lok Sabha from 1980- 1989. His rulings as speaker of Lok Sabha are followed even today. As speaker of Lok Sabha he was an instrument for automation and computerization of Parliamentary works. He promoted Parliament library, reference, research, documentation and information services for the knowledge and use of members of Parliament. The establishment Parliament museum was his contribution. He was first Asian to be elected as Chairman of Common Wealth Parliamentarian Executive Forum. He became the Central Agriculture minister in 1991. He is Governor of Madhya Pradesh state since 30 June 2004.
Dr Balram Jakhar is lifelong president of Bharat Krashak Samaj and president of Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Trust Management Committee. He has written a book- People, Parliament and Administration. Basically he is a farmer and loves Horticulture. He always tried to introduce the scientific techniques in agriculture to increase the production. The president of India awarded him ‘Udyan Pandit’ in 1975 for his contribution to Horticulture. Haryana Agriculture University Hisar and Gurukul Kangri Visvavidyalaya Haridwar have awarded him the ‘Doctor of Science’ and ‘Vidya Martand’ honorary degrees for his contribution to the Agriculture and Horticulture. Sports, Farming and Reading are his hobbies.