Radheshyam Khemka

Radheshyam Khemka (12 December 1935 – 3 April 2021) was a journalist and editor who later served as the chairperson of the Gita Press. In 2014, he was appointed chairperson of Gita Press. He worked as an editor for Gita Press for 38 years.

In the year 2022, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in literature and education.

Early life and education Khemka was born on 12 December 1935, in Munger district, Bihar, to a Marwari family.

In 1982, he handed over the business to his children, Rajaram and Rajeshwari, and started working for Gita Press.

During the last several years of his life, he was known to drink only the sanctified water of the Ganges, "Gangaajal".

Social engagement He was involved with a number of social and religious groups, such as Varanasi's Marwari Seva Sangh, Mumukshu Bhavan, Shriram Lakshmi Marwari Hospital Godaulia, Birla Hospital Machhodari, and Kashi Goshala Trust.

Death On 3 April 2021, at the age of 86, he died at his residence in Kedarghat, Kashi. He was cremated at Harishchandra Ghat.

Honors In 2022, Radheshyam Khemka was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, for his contributions to literature and education.