Rammanohar Lohia was a renowned freedom fighter, a socialist leader of a fearless and dynamic personality. Both before independence and in free India he went to prison several times for the sake of the people. A man of rare scholarship and independent thought he toiled to create a society which would ensure justice to the poor, the backward and women.
Early Life of Rammanohar Lohia
Rammanohar Lohia was born in the village of Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh on 23rd March, 1910. He was born to Hira Lal, a patriot and a teacher and Chanda. He did his intermediate from Benaras Hindu University. He did his Bachelor of Arts from University of Calcutta in 1929. He obtained his Ph.D degree in Economics in 1932 from Berlin University.
Political Life of Rammanohar Lohia
Upon his return to India in 1933 he joined the freedom movement at a young age. His first contribution as a nationalist leader was organizing a "hartal" on Bal Gangadhar Tilak"s death. In 1928, he joined protests against the Simon Commission. In Europe, he organized "Association of European Indians". He joined Indian National Congress and established Congress Socialist Party in 1934. He was elected the Secretary of All India Congress Committee (1936). He was arrested on 7th June, 1940 and sentenced to two years imprisonment for writing an article "Satyagraha Now" in Gandhiji"s newspaper "Harijan". He published and circulated posters and pamphlets on "Do or Die" during the "Quit India Movement" in1942. He along with Aruna Asaf Ali edited a Congress Party monthly newspaper called "Inquilab". He strongly criticized the policies of the Nehru government.
Contributions of Rammanohar Lohia
Post-Independence, Rammanohar Lohia took the leadership of building a dam on Paniyari River called "Lohia Sagar Dam". He founded "Hind Kisan Panchayat" to provide solution to the farmers. He also set up World Development Council and World Government to retain peace.
Social Views of Rammanohar Lohia
According to Rammanohar Lohia, socialism in India began with Gandhiji"s thought and action. He was greatly influenced by Gandhiji"s ideals, values and methods. He wanted the doctrine of socialism to be enriched by Gandhism. Socialism not only meant removal of poverty and inequality but also character-building and reform of the individual.
In September 1967, he underwent an operation, but never recovered from it. On the 12th of October 1967, Rammanohar Lohia breathed his last. The Dr. Rammanohar Lohia College of Law, Bengaluru is named after him.
