Baba Kanshi Ram (1882-1943)

Baba Kanshi Ram, a prominent freedom fighter from the Kangra Hills (now part of Himachal Pradesh), was born on July 11, 1882, in the village of Dada Siba in Tehsil Dehra, Kangra District. Despite his passion for learning, he could not pursue studies beyond the village school due to the untimely death of his father in 1895, when Kanshi Ram was just 13 years old.

Early Life and Inspiration

From an early age, Kanshi Ram showed a keen interest in music and poetry, writing songs and poems in the Pahari language. Driven by the need to earn a livelihood, he moved to Lahore seeking employment. However, his destiny took a different turn as he came into contact with freedom fighters and Congress leaders. He witnessed the famous Delhi Durbar in December 1911, marking the transfer of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The subsequent bomb attack on the Viceroy infused the air with nationalistic fervor, deeply influencing young Kanshi Ram.

Involvement in the Freedom Movement

Upon returning to Lahore, Kanshi Ram established connections with prominent Congress leaders and freedom fighters, including Sardar Ajit Singh, Lala Hardayal, and Lala Lajpat Rai. He witnessed the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, which galvanized his commitment to the freedom struggle. He returned to his village and began spreading Mahatma Gandhi’s message through his compositions in Pahari, motivating the people to join the freedom movement.

Arrests and Imprisonments

The British Government soon took note of his activities, leading to his arrest on May 5, 1920. He was imprisoned in Dharamshala jail alongside Lala Lajpat Rai but was released on November 11, 1922. Kanshi Ram continued his activism, participating in the Indian National Congress session in Lahore in 1929, where independence was declared as the goal of the struggle under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership.

Literary Contributions and Further Arrests

Baba Kanshi Ram remained dedicated to both the independence movement and the promotion of the Pahari language. His famous poem “Agrez Sarkar Da Tigha Par Dhiare” (The British Government is on Her Last Legs) led to another arrest, but he was acquitted due to lack of evidence. Between 1930 and 1942, he faced arrest nine times for his involvement in the freedom struggle.

Recognition and Legacy

Baba Kanshi Ram earned the title “Bulbul-e-Pahar” (The Nightingale of the Hills) from Sarojini Naidu at a conference in Daulatpur, now part of Una District, Himachal Pradesh. Jawaharlal Nehru dubbed him “Pahari Gandhi” at a political conference in Garhdiwala in 1937.

Final Years and Death

In his later years, Baba Kanshi Ram vowed to wear black clothes until India attained independence, a symbol of his unwavering commitment. He remained true to this vow until his death on October 15, 1943.

The Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a commemorative stamp in honor of this great revolutionary and freedom fighter.

(Text courtesy: Prof. Narain Chand Parashar, MP).