Mahavir Prasad

Sri Mahavir Prasad (1893-1945) was the eldest among seven siblings and due to death of his father Sri Ramanuj Dayal at a young age of 18 years, had immense responsibilities to manage the family and various properties as a zamindar.

Sri Mahavir Prasad was married to Smt Sushila Devi of Benaras, who was the daughter of famous Dr Bhagwan Das (MA, D.Litt), under whose name a prominent road at Connaught Place, New Delhi stands till date. Sri Mahavir Prasad was a great philathropist and politically well connected. Upon the death of his father, Sri Mahavir Prasad dedicated his life to work for the poor and the needy and for 21 years was the President of the Ramanuj Dayal Vaishya Bal Sadan, an orphanage set up by his father.

He was trustee on the Board of Management of Meerut College, was a life member of DN inter college and Vaishya Mahasabha, was a member of Meerut Municipality from 1916 to 1928 out of which for 6 years he was its chairman. He was conferred the title of “Honorary Chief of the Staff” by Maharaja of Bharatpur, who was a close friend.

Sri Mahavir Prasad was very proud about the family lineage. Once he was riding a horse driven carriage in a VIP area of Meerut, which was stopped at the instructions of the District Magistrate, a British, as the area was not meant for Indians. Sri Mahavir Prasadji, was incensed but did not react. The Governor of the province being his friend was called for dinner at his home but the District Magistrate was not invited. As the Governor came for dinner, the District Magistrate as a protocol had to accompany the Governor, he was politely refused entry, being an un-invited guest. The District Magistrate, immediately took transfer and left Meerut.

Sri Mahavir Prasad was an avid wrestler and had an “akhada” at home, which was functional till 1976.

Sri Mahavir Prasad had two children Sri Dinesh Chandra and Smt Surya Kumari