Thakur Pyarelal Singh

Thakur Pyarelal Singh born 21 December 1891 in Daihan, was an Indian freedom fighter.He was also conferred with the honorary title of "Tyagmurti", which literally means "epitome of sacrifice".

Early life

Thakur Pyarelal Singh was born on 21 December 1891 in Daihan village of Rajnandgaon Tehsil. He belonged to Vaghela(Baghel) Rajput caste.His early rearing was in Rajnandgaon. Enthusiasm to learn and keen interest in studies brought him to Raipur for higher education. He earned the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1913 from Nagpur winning many accolades. In 1915, he graduated from Law school and began to practice. He was a man with determination and had a zealous approach to live life. He also had keen interest in sports. Gilli Danda (an Indian sport), Chess, Hockey were some of his favourite games but nothing could top his passion for swimming. His entire family including himself had an immense contribution in India's struggle for freedom.His sons Thakur Ramkrishna Singh,Thakur Sachidanand Singh Hari Thakur and Ramnarayan Singh Thakur were a prominent figure in the spheres of Indian freedom movement, contemporary politics,social welfare,literature and journalism of Chhattisgarh.

Role in freedom struggle

In 1916, he met the cotton mill workers based in Rajnandgaon. He learnt that the officers were very rude to the workers and that they had to work 12 hours a day. Their plight made Thakur Pyarelal start an organization against the British officers to help the workers. In 1920 Rajnandgaon Mill Workers Strike led under Thakur Pyarelal Singh lasted more than 37 days. This was India's first strike which lasted this long. The strike reduced the working hours. Around this time, upon the announcement of non cooperation movement, he renounced his advocacy and began to spread the word. Many students left public schools during the non-cooperation movement, many lawyers abandoned their practices. National schools were established for such students and based on his unfathomable compassion for children and their upliftment, Pyarelal ji was assigned the responsibility of national schools. Pyarelal Ji had also established Madhyamik School ( Middle school) in Rajnandgaon. His father, Mr Dindayal Singh was Deputy Inspector of Schools which were from principalities of Rajnandgaon, Kawardha and Chuikhadan. In 1923, the Flag Satyagrah Movement was announced by Congress and this movement was led by Thakur Pyarelal ji in various regions of Chhattisgarh (formerly known as Madhya Pradesh). Innumerable satyagrahis from all over the state joined him in generating awareness of the common civilians. In 1924, the Mill Workers Strike happened for the second time in Rajnandgaon under Thakur Pyarelal Singh. This led to outbursts of violence and rage amongst the workers and the British Government. Nothing could hinder the perseverance and valor of Pyarelal Ji and thus the movement led to favourable results yet again. In 1924, Thakur Pyarelal Singh resumed his advocating career while staying in Raipur. In 1930, Congress assigned the responsibility of Boycott movement to Thakur Pyarelal Singh. He used to picket on liquor stores. While he was organizing the movement and was formulating a group of farmers, he was sentenced to imprisonment for an year by the British Government. In 1932 during his vivacious and dutiful speech raising patriotism amongst people at Gandhi chowk led to his imprisonment for two years and he lost his privileges to practice law. Released from prison in 1934, he was elected minister of Mahakoshal Provincial Congress Committee. In 1936 he was elected to the assembly for first time. He was invited by Mahatma Gandhi for discussion on New methods of teaching. In 1937, Pyarelal ji did a commendable job by establishing the first ever college in the State called as Chhattisgarh college. Thakur Pyarelal Singh was regardfully elected as president of Raipur municipal corporation three times. For the first time in 1937, second in 1940 and third in 1944. He was chosen by a lion's share because he had the conviction and confidence of citizens. Under his presidency the state saw an array of advancements some of it includes construction of many primary schools, better hospitals, well constructed roads. Later in the year 1944, Thakur Pyarelal ji encouraged in establishment of Farmers Rice Cooperative Factory in Mahasamund. He has boundless contributions in the progression of many more associations like - Dhani Union, Vishwakarma Association, Coppersmith associations. In 1945 Pyarelal ji planted the foundation of Chhattisgarh Weavers Cooperative societies in all districts of the state. This was one of the major reasons for the upliftment of the families involved in this business.

In 1946, Thakur Pyarelal ji established Congressional parties in all the villages of Chhattishgarh. In 1950, he travelled to north-eastern parts of India with an aim to encourage education among the people. He also started the publication of Rashtra Bandhu with the same purpose.In 1951, Thakur Pyarelal resigned from Congress. He became a member of the All India Kisan Mazdoor Party, a Gandhian organisation, led by chairman Acharya Kripalani.

In 1952, Pyarelal ji was elected as Member of Legislative Assembly from Raipur. Immediately after the election, he joined Bhoodan Movement of Acharya Vinoba Bhave. He traveled on foot to many villages with the motive of serving people. His walk in 1954 proved to be his last. He started with the aim to walk 2,200 miles over three hundred villages in three months,to spread the message of the Bhoodan movement. After experiencing his first heart ache, he still gathered the courage to deliver his speech and later that day experienced a heart attack that led to his death. On 22 October 1954, he was cremated on the banks of the river Kharun.

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/28/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.