Gorakhpur is proud of having a galaxy of personalities who brought in national and international accolade and glory to the district through their best services in different walks of life. Even today, they are immortalized with institutions named after them.
BABA RAGHAVDAS
Raghvendra Rao (original name), born in pune, a staunch patriot and an eminent social worker is popularly known as the Gandhi of Poorvanchal. He aroused cultural and national feelings, spread out education, served the poorest / lepers and sacrificed his life for the socio- economic betterment of the people of Purvanchal. In recognition to his service the medical college is named after him. Also for the shelter of lepers, Kushth Sewa Ashram was set up by him, 1951 at Gorakhpur. The noble saint and philosopher left for his heavenly abode on 15th January, 1958.
RAMPRASAD BISMIL (1897-1927)
Born in Shajahanpur, Ramprasad Bismil was a great revolutionary and believed in armed struggle against the British ruler. As the main accused in the famous Kakori Conspiracy Case (1925) he was hanged to death in Gorakhpur District Jail on 19th Dec.1927. He wrote his autobiography in jail, his last words being ” I wish the downfall of the British Empire”. His martyrdom at prime age inspired the people of Gorakhpur particularly and the nation to advance the freedom struggle to its logical end.
BABU BANDHU SINGH
The first great freedom fighter of Gorakhpur, waged Guerilla War with the Britishers, was at last arrested through an informer and hanged at Alinagar Chowk, Gorakhpur on 12th Aug. 1857. His supreme sacrifice remained a perpetual source of inspiration for the people of Gorakhpur till the attainment of freedom.
FIRAQ GORAKHPURI
Original name Raghupati Sahay, a noted Urdu poet, recipient of Gyanpeeth Award belonged to Gorakhpur.
PREM CHAND
Original name Ganpat Rai, World famous Hindi Writer, was born in Varanasi but Gorakhpur was his work-place. As a writer he got recognition from Gorakhpur during his stay as an Asst. teacher and Hostel Superintendent (1916-1921).
HANUMAN PRASAD PODDAR
Hanuman Prasad Poddar, lovingly called as Bhaijee, a multifacent personality, an editor of famous religious magazine ‘Kalyan’ is remembered for his untiring efforts to propogate and disseminate Hindu religion across the world.
MAHANT DIGVIJAYNATH
One of the famous founder of the Hindu Maha Sabha, a great nationalist and follower of yogi Gorakhnath, was closely associated with the famous Gorakhnath temple and established a number of educational institutions in the city. His contribution to the establishment of Gorakhpur University is significant.
Pt. S.N.M. TRIPATHI
Pt. Surti Narayan Mani Tripathi was the First ICS of UP State. He has held many important posts including the post of District Magistrate – Gorakhpur. That was the time when Pt. S.N.M. Tripathi took a vow to build an University in Gorakhpur. He was the Founder President of the Gorakhpur University. Other personalities like Mahant Digvijaynath, Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar, Sardar Majithia were also members of the foundation team.
Pt. DASHRATH PRASAD DWIVEDI
An editor of ‘Swadesh’ is known for his patriotic writings-editing.
VIR BAHADUR SINGH
Vir Bahadur Singh, real son of the soil, ex. Chief Minister of U.P. and Central Cabinet Minister of Communication, is widely remembered as the architect of modern Gorakhpur. Gorakhpur is indebted to him for ushering a series of developmental activities, the prominent being upgradation of the city Gorakhpur to B class and Nagar Nigam, creation of Gorakhpur Development Authority, construction of residential colonies, openeing of Sports College, Mahila I.T.I. and Navodaya Vidhyalaya, ambitous Ramgarh Project, Entertainment and Amusement Parks and widening of Roads.
Sir SURJIT SINGH MAJITHIA
An Industrialist, founder of Sardar Nagar Sugar Mill and others. Sports loving and known for his charitable works.
Dr. VIDYA NIWAS MISHRA
Eminent Scholar of Hindi, Sanskrit Litrature resident of Gola Tehsil of Gorakhpur District. Padmbhushan Awardee.
Smt. JANAKI DEVI
An Illiterate activist who reformed the people of many villages and is popular for her Social Activities. Resident of a Village of Pipraich Block, District Magistrate of Gorakhpur felicitated her alongwith other officials and public personalities.
DALER MEHNDI
Popular Punjabi Singer, started his carrier from Gorakhpur District.
JAFAR GORAKHPURI
Popular Filmy Song Writer known for his song ‘Bada Lutfa tha jab …..’ , belongs to Gorakhpur.
Sports Personalities from Gorakhpur
SYED MODI
An ace badminton player of Gorakhpur, eight times national champion(1980-87), recipient of Arjuna Award, winner of Gold Medal in Common Wealth Games(1982), bronze medalist of Asian games (1982), took participation in several international tournaments. He was known as the great stroke player both on forehand and backhand. Unfortunately, his promising life was cut short by the cruel assasin’s bullet on 28th June. 1988.
NARENDRA HIRWANI
Narendra Hirwani, born and brought up in Gorakhpur but played Ranji for M.P. State, is the youngest cricket test player and became crickecters of the year (1988). National record of taking maximum number of wickets (16 for 136) in test match( against west Indies at Madras) goes to his credit.
PREM MAYA
Hockey Player, represented and captained Indian Women Hockey team. Arjun Awardee.
Sh. JANARDAN SINGH
Known as Bharat Bhim the famous wrestler from Gorakhpur.
PANNE LAL YADAV
India Fame Wrestler, represented India, in India and abroad. Yash Bahrti Awardee.
Ram Ashray Yadav, Chandra Vijay Singh, Janardan Yadav
Wrestlers, represented India Railways Team as well as Indian Team. All are Yash Bharti Awardee.