Early Life and Education
Born on July 1, 1964, in a modest household in village Pahasa, Mau and brought up at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Umesh Chandra inherited the values of compassion and social service from his father, Shri Babu Lal Gond. From an early age, he actively participated in social gatherings alongside his father, which shaped his passion for community service. Dr. Chandra completed his schooling with a focus on science and later joined the Indian Navy in 1982. During his tenure, he pursued a diploma and subsequently earned a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. He also achieved a Diploma in Rail Transport & Management and an MSW (Master of Social Work), further broadening his academic pursuits.
Distinguished Career
Dr. Chandra served in the Indian Navy with dedication, participating in numerous military operations and goodwill missions to countries such as Seychelles, Madagascar, Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia. After retiring from the Navy in 1997, he joined the Department of Telecommunications as an Electrical Engineer in 2000. He retired voluntarily in 2020 as a Sub-Divisional Engineer, marking a career of exemplary service in both military and civil capacities.
Leadership in Social and Political Platforms
Driven by his passion for social justice, Dr. Chandra has held various leadership roles in prominent organizations. He served as the National President of the Mulnivasi Sangh and National Vice President of BAMCEF. Presently, he is the Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Adivasi Congress, affiliated with the Indian National Congress. His work includes advocating for tribal rights and uplifting marginalized communities. He is also the Secretary General of the Adivasi Kalyan Samiti, President of the Bharatvarshiya Gond Adivasi Mahasabha, and a member of the World Human Rights Protection Commission.
Achievements and Honors
Dr. Chandra’s relentless efforts have earned him several prestigious accolades. In 2021, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the World Human Rights Protection Commission for his social work. His NGO, Adivasi Kalyan Samiti, was recognized as the Best NGO Working for Human Rights with the Indian Icon Award in 2022. Additionally, he received the National Padma Bhushan Samman in 2023 for his significant contributions to human rights and tribal welfare.
Advocacy and Social Work
At the core of Dr. Chandra’s mission lies the promotion of constitutional values, particularly Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. He tirelessly works to educate citizens about the dignity of individuals and the unity and integrity of the nation. Through initiatives like the Adivasi Kalyan Samiti, he has implemented programs aimed at empowering tribal communities and safeguarding their rights. His advocacy extends to raising awareness about the importance of fraternity in ensuring social harmony and national integration.
A Lifelong Commitment to Change
Now at 60 years of age, Dr. Chandra continues to inspire others with his unwavering dedication to social causes. As a political science student and a motivational speaker, he combines academic knowledge with real-world experience to address pressing social issues. His journey from a naval officer to a leader in social and political spheres is a testament to his enduring commitment to the betterment of society.
Dr. Umesh Chandra stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, proving that one individual’s determination can create a ripple effect of positive change. His life’s work exemplifies the true spirit of service and dedication to humanity.
********
