About this stamp
Baldev Ramji Mirdha
Early Life and Career:
- Birth: Shri Baldev Ramji Mirdha was born on 17th January 1889 in a farmer’s family in the village of Kuchera in Nagaur District, Rajasthan.
- Education and Early Career: He passed the Matric examination and joined the service in the former Jodhpur State, where he rose to become a high police official through hard work and honesty.
Commitment to Farmers:
- Advocacy for Farmers: Despite his official position, his main interest lay in addressing the plight of farmers, who faced severe feudal exploitation.
- Marwar Kisan Sabha: He founded the Marwar Kisan Sabha to organize farmers, holding many massive rallies and demonstrations.
Political and Social Work:
- Formation of Rajasthan Kisan Sabha: After the formation of Rajasthan, he established the Rajasthan Kisan Sabha, expanding his efforts.
- Collaboration with Leaders: He worked closely with Lok Parishad and Congress leaders such as Jai Narayan Vyas. Under consultation with Jawaharlal Nehru and Govind Vallabh Pant, the Rajasthan Kisan Sabha was merged with the Indian National Congress on the eve of the first General Elections.
Social Reforms:
- Advocacy for Backward Classes: Mirdha was a dedicated social worker, advocating for the backward classes to access village wells and other resources.
- Abolition of Unjust Customs: He initiated movements to abolish customs like feasts after death, facing opposition from entrenched societal leaders.
Education Initiatives:
- Educational Contributions: He believed education was crucial for individual liberation and started numerous schools and hostels in rural areas. Many students from these institutions have become prominent in the state’s political and social life.
Legacy:
- Kisan Kesari: His efforts to organize farmers and fight for their rights earned him the title of “Kisan Kesari” (Lion of Farmers).
- Death: Baldev Ramji Mirdha passed away on 2nd August 1953 while en route to address a Kisan Conference, dying in harness as a committed advocate for the farmers.
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