Mahadev Prasad Pandey was born on Thursday, 17 January 1929, in the village of Devada. His parents were Sonia Bai and Raghunandan Lal Pandey, a respected teacher in Raipur city. Raised in an environment deeply influenced by Gandhiji's principles, he imbibed the ethos of self-sufficiency, spinning yarn, weaving clothes, and wearing them, as advocated by the Mahatma.
In 1939, as a young boy, Mahadev Prasad accompanied his father to the Tripuri Congress session, where he had the privilege of closely observing great leaders like Gandhiji, Nehruji, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Pattabhi Sita Ramaiya. Dr. Pandey received his early education from the Amapara Primary School and later attended Lari School, now known as Madhorao Sapre School.
His involvement in the freedom struggle began early as Mahadev Prasad participated in individual Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement in 1942. Despite his young age of 12, he fearlessly marched in processions, raised nationalist slogans, and actively resisted the British alongside fellow students. His bravery led to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment for seven months, making him the youngest prisoner in Raipur jail.
After his release, Mahadev Prasad aspired to continue his education but faced expulsion from school due to his jail term. Undeterred, he pursued a degree in Ayurveda from Banaras Hindu University. In 1951, he married Karunadevi, who later became his student as well. He served as the Dean of Ayurvedic College, Raipur, until his retirement in 1990, diligently imparting knowledge and wisdom to future generations.
Mahadev Prasad Pandey passed away on 27 March 2021.
His name is mentioned in the Smriti Kunj of his home village, Devada.
Source: Tikeshwar Prasad Gajpal, Contributor for CCRT.