had been a sort of guide to social and educational activism in Mewar. Even as he served as Revenue Officer and later as Education Minister in Mewar State, and in between, as Diwan in Banswara, his abiding interest was in issues of citizenship. He made a start by establishing the Seva Samiti Boy Scout Troop, from where originated the idea of starting Vidya Bhawan School in 1931. At the school, the ideals of character formation, social obligation and a sensitivity to nature and the rural surroundings were focused upon, a spirit of adventure was inculcated and a sense of determination was stimulated to make youth responsible citizens. To Dr Mehta, Seva Mandir was an extension of these very concerns and the ideas of citizenship into the arena of rural development. This organization now has turned into a museum of social work in India. Publications Mehta wrote Lord Hastings and the Indian States, published in 1929. Recognition Award and titles for distinguished service to Mewar State Government (1940 and 1945); National Award Padma Vibhushan (1969); William Trolley Award Syracuse University, U.S. (1969); Award of Indian National Federation of UNESCO Associations (1979); Special Award of the Asian and South Pacific Bureau of Adult Education (1972); G.D. Parikh Memorial Award (1980); Honoured by the Indian University Association for Continuing Education, New Delhi (1985). Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa), University of Udaipur (1976); Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) University of Rajasthan (1982). References External links Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in civil service Alumni of the London School of Economics Academic staff of the University of Rajasthan High Commissioners of India to Pakistan Members of the Constituent Assembly of India People from Udaipur 1895 births 1986 deaths 20th-century Indian educational theorists Ambassadors of India to the Netherlands Ambassadors of India to the Holy See