Dedication to Education: Dr. Hari Singh Gaur Donates Entire Estate, Honored as ‘Sir’ by British

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh: The state of Madhya Pradesh celebrates the 156th birth anniversary of Dr. Hari Singh Gaur, a visionary educationist, legal luminary, and philanthropist who laid the foundation of Sagar University by donating his entire estate for the cause of education. Known for his extraordinary generosity, Dr. Gaur also served as Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University and Nagpur University during his illustrious career.

A Legacy of Education and Philanthropy

Dr. Gaur’s commitment to empowering Bundelkhand’s youth led him to dedicate over ₹2 crore worth of property and ₹20 lakh in cash through his will to establish Sagar University, now known as Dr. Hari Singh Gaur Central University. This monumental contribution, made in 1946 before India’s independence, was considered one of the largest private donations in the country at the time. Remarkably, he is among the very few in India who donated his entire personal wealth solely for the cause of education.

Honored by the British for His Contributions

Dr. Gaur’s name is also etched in the annals of Delhi University history. He became the institution’s first founding Vice-Chancellor in 1922 and served until 1926. Recognizing his outstanding contributions to university administration and academic development, the British government conferred upon him the prestigious title of ‘Sir’ in 1925. Later, he also served as Vice-Chancellor of Nagpur University from 1928 to 1936 and chaired a 25-day international conference of Vice-Chancellors from 27 universities under the British Empire—a testament to his stature and vision.

Foundation of Sagar University and Vision for Bundelkhand

Dr. Gaur laid the foundation stone of the new Sagar University campus on 15 August 1948 at a scenic location in Sagar, reflecting his deep emotional connection to the region. A nature enthusiast, he enjoyed daily walks on the Patharia Hills and watching the sunset by the nearby lake. His vision extended beyond education; he also envisioned modern urban development projects in Sagar, including railway expansion, an airport, technical education centers, a medical college, and a sustainable water supply scheme—many of which were realized during his lifetime.

Dr. Gaur firmly believed that universities should be serene, inspiring spaces, free from political interference, much like Cambridge and Oxford, where students and faculty could thrive in an environment of learning and intellectual growth.