Journey of Chaudhary Charan Singh
Farmers are the key pillars of the country as they provide food to the people, a basic need of everyone. In this context we have a story of a person remembered as “Champion of Farmers”. The person whose story we are covering today is Chaudhary Charan Singh. He was a remarkable freedom fighter, politician and advocate of agrarian reform. He was born on December 23, 1902 in Nurpur village of Meerut district and he dedicated his life in improving the life of farmers and the rural India. From his early days as a student to the serving as India’s Prime Minister, he had committed his life to uplift the underprivileged and more specifically the agrarian community.
It is the story on the occasion of National Farmers’ Day which is celebrated on December 23rd in India in the honour of Chaudhary Charan Singh. The day is dedicated to his works for the farmers and upliftment of the rural India. Let’s celebrate the occasion by going into the narration on the Charan Singh’s Ji life.
Early Life and Education
His father Mir Singh and mother Netar Kaur were from Tewatia clan of Jats and had the profession of farming. His ancestor was Raja Nahar Singh of Ballabhgarh and was involved in Indian Rebellion Movements during 1857 struggles. At that time the family was shifted to Bulandshahr in order to protect themselves from the British suppressions. Charan ji was grown up in rural village of Uttar Pradesh by which he had a great influence of farmer struggles which helped him later to emerged as a political leader for the farmers.
Education has a very crucial component in someone’s life, similarly Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Bachelor degree was completed from Agra College in 1923. Followed it, he completed Master of Arts in History in the year 1925. Also, he earned Bachelor of Laws (LLB) form the Meerut College. Through a diverse knowledge background, he had equipped a profound understanding of British Laws and their several negative impacts on Indian farmers.
Freedom Struggle and Political Awakening
His political life began while India is struggling for the Independence. He quoted that he was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non- violence, so he joined the Indian National Congress & also had participations in several freedom movements across the country. For his participation in 1940 Individual Satyagraha Movement, he was jailed. Also, during Quit India Movement he again faced cases by the British Government.
Despite several issues, he remained committed to his struggle for the independence. During 1937, he was elected as the member of Legislative Assembly of the Unites Provinces and his prime focus was on the rural issues. He introduced Agricultural Produce Market Bill in 1938 & which later on became a landmark step aiming to protect farmers from exploitative practices by the traders. Even during British rule, by his movements he powerfully stated about his vision of an equitable society which has roots in agriculture welfare.
A Leader in Independent India
During Independence days Charan Singh Ji got a key figure personality in Uttar Pradesh politics and as member of Indian National Congress, he worked as a leader working for land reforms. Under Chief Minister Govind Ballabh Pant government,
he had served as the state’s Revenue Minister. Some of his famous acts were Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition & land Reforms Act of 1952. This act was helpful in dismantling the feudal zamindari system and empowered tillers by granting the ownership rights.
His policies were primarily for rural economy & he believed that farmers must secure ownership of their land. This was very essential of agricultural productivity and social ability. Land Rights of farmers are further strengthened by his efforts of Consolidation of Holdings Act in 1953.
Later on, he had some ideological differences with the leaders of Congress which ultimately led him break away from the Congress in 1967 & established the Bhartiya Kranti Dal. So, started his own independent political party.
As a Political Leader
He became CM of Uttar Pradesh twice, 1967 and 1970 and his leadership was characterized by a strong focus on the rural development and administration integration. He marks the implementation of several policies which resulted in the empowerment of farming community and solve the issues in land revenue collection.
Chief Minister has definitely several challenges, and Charan Ji also faced several issues like integration of the parties for the formation of the government. In 1979 he had been elected for the Prime Minister of India but due to withdrawn of Congress he resigned in just 23 days.
Prime Works
Being a political leader Chaudhary Charan Singh was devoted to the public but as a background in rural India, he had some affinity towards farmers which inspired him for their empowerment. Today we talk about MSP (Minimum Support Price), the concept which was developed by him & still it is safeguarding the farming community. By removing zamindari and empowering landowners he played a crucial role in improving the socio-economic landscape of the rural india.
He died in 1987, and even after his lost, Charan Singh Ji always remains a public figure for all agriculture community. Also, Institutions like as Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut and Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow are the example of the legacy he has today also. In 2024 he was awarded with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, recognizing his dedication towards social improvement.
Content Writer