A New Leader: Krishna Ballabh Sahay

Being an excellent academician is one thing, but being a prolific scholar who understands the constraints that might hinder one's chances to grow in life, while doing everything in their power to elevate them, is rare.

K.B. Sahay; Image Credit: Navbharat Times

Born in Chittagong, Benimadhab Barua became one of the most notable Indologists.

He completed his schooling in Chittagong and later on went to study Pali. He completed his M.A in Pali and passed with first-class honours from the University of Calcutta in 1913.

In 1914, the government of India sent him to the University of London on a state scholarship so that he could research further. His thesis- "Indian Philosophy — it’s origin and growth from the Vedas to the Buddha”, earned him the D.Litt degree. Thereby, making him the first Asian to receive it.

When Barua returned from London, he was appointed as the Head of the Department of Pali at the Calcutta University, where he worked as a lecturer.

Barua's excellence in his field of study and continued merits earned him the position of the University Professor of Pali in 1925, a post he held till his death in 1948.

His works are chronicled extensively around the Pali language and Buddhist studies, and he dedicated his entire life to promoting Buddhist studies and Pali. Barua was a prolific academician, and due to his scholastic achievements, The Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal awarded him the Dr. B. C. Law Gold Medal. He was even conferred with the title of Tipitakacariya.

His views were held in high regard, and he edited some of the most famous magazines of that time, and his works are instrumental in learning about Indology.

Barua was well aware of the hiccups that many people, organizations, and institutions might face due to a lack of funds. He donated a lot of money to provide relief to institutions and needy people. When Barua found out that financial constraints would prevent some of the brightest minds from pursuing their education further, he paid the fees of those children so they could continue studying.

This incident was only found out by his family when they stumbled upon the receipts of fee slips in his office.

Benimadhab Barua was a brilliant scholar whose work on the Ajivikas served as the base for A.L Basham's PhD dissertation. But more importantly, he was the man with a heart of gold.