The Chairman

Lalit Surjan, veteran Hindi Journalist, educationist, social activities and peace worker, started his career from Jabalpur with the family-owned daily newspaper Deshbandhu in 1961 as a trainee journalist. He worked at various desks in the editor section and also in various departments of the newspaper. He became the Chief Editor on 1st January 1995.

He also received formal training at Press Institute of India, and was selected for the prestigious Senior Editorial Fellowship of Thomson Foundation; Cardiff, U.K. Lalit Surjan also published a weekly journal for university students titled “Snatak” between 1966 to 1969. In 1969, he became the Honorary Head of the newly established Department of Journalism of Ravishankar University, Raipur – a position he relinquished in 1972. However, he still devotes considerable time for teaching journalism to college students, village children and rural correspondents.

The Govt. of India appointed Lalit Surjan in December 2006 as the Chairman, Board of Governor, National Institute of Technology, Raipur for a five-year term. He is also on the executive committee of National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA). Earlier, his services were also summoned to serve as a member on All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and National Council for Teacher’s Education (NCTE). Beside, he has served on various official and non official panels in the cause of education, environment, world peace, human rights & dignity and communal harmony etc. at national and international level.

Shri Surjan is a well-known author and has so far published two poetry collections and two essay collections. His article, mainly on current affairs, governance and literature, regularly appear in various journals. He closely works with several civil society organization and served as District Governor of Rotary International District 3260 (Orissa, Chhattisgarh & Mahakoshal) in 1993-94. He was honoured as the Best Governor of the Year and in 1995 was felicitated with Citation of Meritorious Service of The Rotary Foundation. At present he is on the Advisory Board of Rotary News and Rotary Samachar magazines.

Lalit Surjan is a widely traveled person and had opportunity of accompanying two Prime Minister of India on their respective foreign visits. He is a recipient of Indian Jaycees’ TOYP (The Outstanding Young Person) award and much other recognition. He is happily married to Maya, a well known public figure in her own right. They are parents to three daughters and an adopted one.
Mail - lalitsurjan@yahoo.com