Shri Radhey Shyam Khemka had rendered his exceptional contribution of taking Sanatan literature to the masses by authoring, editing & publishing rare ancient texts into regional languages. He was the editor of 'Kalyan', a spiritual monthly in Hindi, first published in 1925 by the Gita - Press, Gorakhpur. The magazine is a revered text for millions of spiritual seekers all over India and the World.
Born on 12th December, 1935 in Barahiya, Bihar, Shri Khemka belonged to a Marwari family of Fatehpur Shekhawati in Rajasthan. He did his Primary education in Munger. He studied law and Masters (M.A) in Sanskrit from the Banaras Hindu University. As he was reared in a cultural Marwari family and in devotional environment, he was deeply impacted by the company of revered saints and Gurus and especially with the most revered saint of all, Sant Shri Karpatri Ji Maharaj.
Shri Khemka shifted permanently to Kashi (Varanasi) in 1956 and started a paper business. He later handed over this business to his successors and devoted himself completely into editing, publishing and social Welfare. Despite being an active member, President and Chairman of several institutions, he never charged a penny for rendering his services. A farsighted philanthropist, he devoted himself selflessly to the service of society and mankind. Charity was a part of his daily life. He was the President of the Trust board, managing the Gita Press from 2014 and was instrumental in spreading the message of character building, human values and spiritual elevation based on scriptures and ancient Indian texts, many of which were published by the Gita Press under his guidance.
Under Shri Khemka's leadership more than 460 monthly editions, 38 yearly editions of 'Kalyan' were published. He actively contributed in the technical development of the legendary Gita press and started the publishing of other books including the knowledge of vedic rituals and sacraments for children. Approximately 9.5 Cr. books of Gita press were published under his guidance. He established a Sanskrit Gurukul, "Ved Vidyalaya" in Varanasi to preserve the vedic prescribed "karma-kanda" which continues to provide society with scholars of ritualistic traditional vedic knowledge. He played a key role in the establishment and management of several socio-literary institutes like Gita Press - Gorakhpur, L.N. Marwari Hospital, Birla Hospital, Mumukshu Bhawan (An Old Age home), Marwari Sewa Sangh, a Charitable Institute. He rendered widespread service in the protection and preservation of holy cows.
Shri Khemka lived a life of monkhood although he did not adopt formal monastic order. His memorials are published in various books and comprehensive details of his association with the leading spiritual leaders in his life spanning over 80 years, are mentioned in several journals and books. He was also awarded the "Sahitya- Ratna" in Sanskrit and was a profound orator of Hindi and Sanskrit literature.
Shri Khemka passed away on 3" March, 2021.
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