Dr. Narayan Subbarao Hardikar, imbibed in himself the ideas of patritism, freedom and service to the people. He was born on 7th May, 1889. He was the son of Shri Subbarao and Smt. Yamunadbai. He lost his father after a short span of his birth. In spite of his poverty, he took medical education. After obtaining the degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Calcutta he went to America for higher education where he met lala Lajpat Rai. As his intimate collegue, Hardikar participated inmany programmes inAmerica. He was the President of the Hisndustan Association of America. He oganised an Indian student's convention in Chicago and joined the Home Rule League founded by Lalaji. With Lalaji, he published a journal 'Young India'. During the visits of various States of America and Canada, he apprised the emigrant Indians about the freedom struggle of India.

He was influenced by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai. On his return to India, he abjured all personal pleasures. He participated in all the movements conducted by the Congress and was appointed General Secretary of Karnataka Congress Committee and also elected as a Member of All India Congress Committee. In protest against the atrocities of British Police on the flag procession and insult of National Flag, a movement was launched at Nagpur which was led by Dr. Hardikar. He went to jail many times. e thought of an organisation of disciplined and trained youth of strong character. Consequently 'Seva Dal' was formed i the Kakinada session of Congress on 27th December, 1923. In 1925, Dr. Hardikar published a monthly journal named 'Volunteer' and devoted himself to the cause of the Seva Dal entirely. He was always at the forefront in the freedom struggle. Perhaps the crowning act of his social service was the founding of the Karnataka Health Insstitute at Ghataprabha.

Dr. hardikar was elected twice for the Rajya Sabha drom 1952 to 1962. HArdikar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1958. His dress was typical of a Seva Dal Volunteer - - half pants, half sleeved shirt and a Gandhi Cap - - all in Khadi. he passed away on 26th August, 1975.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India