Chaudhary Ranbir Singh

Freedom Fighter, Parliamentarian and Nation Builder

Early Life and Influences

Chaudhary Ranbir Singh was born on 26 November 1914 in Sanghi village, Rohtak district of present-day Haryana. His father, Chaudhary Matu Ram, was a freedom fighter, nationalist and a pioneer of the Arya Samaj movement. The family maintained close associations with Lala Lajpat Rai and the family of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, deeply influencing Ranbir Singh’s nationalist outlook from an early age.

Role in the Freedom Struggle

Growing up in an environment of patriotism, Ranbir Singh imbibed the ideals of nationalism in thought, word and deed. After graduating from Ramjas College, Delhi, in 1937, he actively joined the freedom struggle. He was arrested during the Individual Satyagraha in 1941.

During the course of the freedom movement, he endured three and a half years of rigorous imprisonment in eight different jails—Rohtak, Ambala, Hisar, Ferozepur, Lahore, Multan and Sialkot—and suffered two years of house arrest. His courageous role in restoring communal harmony during the violence following Partition in 1947 was particularly commendable.

Contribution to Constitution Making and Nation Building

After Independence, in 1947, Chaudhary Ranbir Singh was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals that true swaraj lay in the service of villages and the poor, he became a strong advocate for peasants’ rights. In the Assembly, he raised a powerful voice in support of Hindi as the national language.

Champion of Farmers and Haryana Statehood

Chaudhary Ranbir Singh played a crucial role in advocating the formation of the state of Haryana. He consistently championed the cause of farmers, demanding Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce and arguing for the abolition of income tax on agriculture. His work reflected a lifelong commitment to empowering the rural and agrarian population.

Parliamentary Career and Administrative Leadership

He holds the unique distinction of being elected to seven different legislative houses, a rare achievement in Indian parliamentary history. As Minister for Irrigation and Power in the erstwhile joint Punjab, he played a decisive role in strengthening irrigation infrastructure. The landmark Bhakra Project was completed under his leadership. Major initiatives such as the Pong Dam, Beas–Sutlej Link, and the Kishau and Renuka Dams across tributaries of the Yamuna were initiated during his tenure, significantly augmenting water resources for Haryana.

Following the creation of Haryana, he served as Minister for Public Works and Health (1966–67).

Role in Parliament and the Congress Organisation

Chaudhary Ranbir Singh held several important positions in the Indian National Congress in both joint Punjab and Haryana. He served as Chairman of the House Committee, Rajya Sabha (1974–1976) and as Deputy Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the Rajya Sabha during the leadership of Smt. Indira Gandhi.

Service to Freedom Fighters and Social Justice

After 31 years as a legislator, he retired from active politics to devote himself to the welfare of freedom fighters and marginalized communities. Along with Pt. Sheel Bhadra Yajee and Prof. N.G. Ranga, he founded the All India Freedom Fighter Organisation and played a pivotal role in securing the Swatantrata Sainik Samman Pension for lakhs of freedom fighters.

As President of the Harijan Kalyan Sangh (Punjab), he worked tirelessly against untouchability, inequality and social injustice, advocating dignity and rights for backward and oppressed sections of society.

Legacy

Chaudhary Ranbir Singh was a visionary leader, freedom fighter, great patriot, distinguished parliamentarian and able administrator. His life was marked by unwavering commitment to national integration, rural development and social justice.

He passed away on 01 February 2009.

Commemoration

India Post is pleased to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh, paying tribute to his enduring contribution to India’s freedom, democracy and development.