Pandit  Balkrishna  Sharma  was born  to Pandit  Jamnadas  Sharma and  Radhabai, on 8th December, 1897 in Bhyana village of Shajapur district in Madhya Pradesh. Balkri shna was a versatile genius right from childhood, but could not start schooling till the age of 11, because of poverty. His mother brought him to Shajapur from where he passed the middle school examination. He did his matriculation in 1917 from Ujjain. During this period he came in contact with Makhanlal Chaturvedi and proceeded to Pandit Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi in Kanpur. Kanpur, thus, became his field of action.

While still a student of final year B.A. in Christ Church College, Kanpur, Navin started his political career. On Mahatma Gandhi's call, he participated in the non-cooperation movement. On a resolution of the Congress, he left college alongwith his comrades in 1921 for - active participation in the Freedom movement. From 1921 to 1944 he was imprisoned six times, and was among those declared as  the  most dangerous prisoners.

After Independence, Navin made both political as well as literary contributions. He was nominated as a member of the Constituent Assembly, and got elected to the Lok Sabha from the Kanpur constituency in the first General Elections. From 1957, he continued to be a member of the Rajya Sabha throughout his life. His vigorous oratory earned him the title 'Lion of Kanpur'. He was also a member of the Official Language Commission and of the Cultural delegation representing India in many European  countries including  England.

After the demise of Pandit Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, Navin undertook the editorship  of 'Pratap' and discharged it very efficiently. Besides being a great patriot Balkrishna Navin was also devoted to poetry. His esteemed works comprise 'Kumkum', 'Rashmirekha', 'Apalak', 'Kwasi', 'Vinoba Stavan', 'Urmila', etc. His 'Hum Vishpaee Janam Ke' is a posthumous compilation published by 'Gyanpeeth'. He was  honoured with a Padma Bhushan award in recognition of his literary services.

Pandit Balkrishna Sharma 'Navin' passed away on 29th April, 1960.

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