Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907-2003) passed away peacefully 18 January 2003 at the age of 95. Mr. Bachchan was a renowned Indian poet, most celebrated for his work in Awadhi. He was recognised as a distinguished professor of modern poetry at Banaras Hindu University, and was awarded the 1974 Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection of poems, Madhushala. Mr. Bachchan was affectionately known for penning poetry for famous personalities such as India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and was awarded Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours, in 1976. Mr. Bachchan was committed to the education and development of tomorrow's generations, and directed much of his energy to charitable causes throughout his career. He was a generous philanthropist, continuously lending a helping hand in various projects in art, culture, medicine and educational institutes, including the Children's Academy in Mumbai, the oldest school in India. Mr. Bachchan's life was full of accomplishments, and his legacy lives on in the world today.