Munshi Kali Prasad Kulbhashkar was born on December 3, 1840, at "Chiri Mar Teela," now known as Laptan Ganj in Jaunpur. His father, Munshi Deen Dayal Singh, was a resident of Shahzad Pur in the Sirathu Tehsil of Allahabad District. A highly cultured and religious individual, Deen Dayal Singh served as a "Wasi Baki Nawis" at Jaunpur Tehsil and was also posted at Mariyahoo and Machli Shahar.
Munshi Kali Prasad received his initial education in Sanskrit under the guidance of Pandit Shitla Din Pandey of Shahjahanpur. At the young age of six, he began learning Arabic and Persian, eventually earning the degree of "Fajil." After successfully clearing the Vernacular Examination from Mariyahoo, he enrolled at the Government Normal School in Kashi, where he excelled in English. In 1857, at the age of 18, he resigned from his government job to support the First War of Independence.
In 1858, he was appointed Pargana Visitor of Banaras and later worked as Munsarim Bandobast in Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, Unnao, and Lucknow until 1864. In October 1864, he appeared for the Extra Assistant Commissioner examination and passed with distinction. In 1865, he topped the Advocate Examination and began practicing law at the Awadh Chief Court in Lucknow. His legal expertise earned him widespread recognition, and he was appointed legal advisor to the Taluqdar Sangh.
Munshi Kali Prasad accumulated significant wealth through his legal acumen and in 1872, he began publishing Kayastha Samachar, a periodical that continues to be published twice a year.
Munshi Kali Prasad was married to Sushila Devi, the daughter of renowned advocate Munshi Babu Lal of Sipah in Jaunpur. The couple had no children, which deeply saddened Sushila Devi. To address her concerns, Munshi Kali Prasad famously declared that he would adopt not one but thousands of children by dedicating his wealth to education.
In 1873, he founded the Kayastha Pathshala in Bahadurganj, starting with just seven students. Munshi Shiv Narain Lal was its first teacher. To ensure the institution's growth and sustainability, he bequeathed all his movable and immovable property to the Kayastha Pathshala Trust through a will dated October 18, 1886. Following this, he moved to Delhi, where he passed away on November 9, 1886.
The Kayastha Pathshala became a cornerstone of quality education, producing luminaries like Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya and H.N. Bahuguna, who played significant roles in India’s freedom struggle. Munshi Kali Prasad's vision extended beyond education; he founded the "Kayastha Dharam Sabha," the Lucknow Institute, the "Upper India Cooper Mill," and the "Kayastha Trading Company," encouraging diversification beyond government employment.
He authored Kayastha Varna Mimansa (Kayastha Ethnology) and a manuscript on Sanskar Vidhi, though the latter is unfortunately lost.
In 1888, Calcutta University recognized the Kayastha Pathshala, which now manages institutions like C.M.P. Degree College, Kulbhashkar Post Graduate College, K.P. Inter College, and others. Visionaries like Major D.R. Ranjit Singh and Munshi Ishwar Sharan contributed significantly to its expansion, including the construction of notable buildings and hostels.
Munshi Kali Prasad’s legacy inspired educational leaders like Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, founder of Banaras Hindu University, and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of Aligarh Muslim University. His work also laid the foundation for a democratic governance system within the Kayastha Pathshala Trust, outlined in the "Qawaid."
Under the leadership of various presidents and trustees, the institution grew to encompass multiple schools, colleges, and community centers. Eminent personalities like Bharat Ratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, were associated with the trust. Distinguished alumni include Pt. Shankar Dayal Sharma, Rajarshi Purushottam Das Tandon, and Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi.
The Kayastha Pathshala Trust has been guided by exceptional educators and administrators, including Pt. Bal Krishna Bhatt, Dr. Tara Chand, and Sri Jalpa Prasad. Their dedication continues to inspire future generations. Munshi Kali Prasad's unwavering commitment to education and social reform remains a beacon of inspiration.
His life's work exemplifies the power of vision and philanthropy in shaping a nation, and his contributions will forever be celebrated in the annals of Indian history.