Nath Pai

Barrister Nath Bapu Pai (born 25 September 1922 in Vengurla, Konkan Region of Maharashtra, India, died in January 1971) was an Indian freedom fighter, Barrister and Member of Parliament being a prominent leader of Praja Socialist Party.

He was married to a socialist woman from Austria, and he could speak German well. He was known for excellent oratory in Marathi and English. His debates with Nehru in Lok Sabha were remembered with fondness long after his death.

Notable Achievements

• He fought elections, unsuccessfully, for Mumbai State's assembly in 1952 from Belgaum region.
• He was elected Member of Parliament for 3 consecutive terms from Rajapur (Lok Sabha constituency) in Indian general election, 1957, Indian general election, 1962 & Indian general election, 1967.
• He died in January 1971, just before that year's general election. His socialist friend Madhu Dandavate succeeded him as Lok Sabha member from the Rajapur seat.
• The Konkan railway was the brainchild of veteran parliamentarian Barrister Nath Pai. Demands for an Indian West Coast railway line were continuously raised by Barrister Nath Pai as he actively voiced the concerns of the region.
• In 1954, Barrister Nath Pai was elected the first non-European president of International Union of Socialist Youth, headquartered at Austria.

See also

• Praja Socialist Party
• Rajapur (Lok Sabha constituency)