Page 53 - NIS English 16-31 Aug 2022

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Nation
JHAVERCHAND KALIDAS MEGHANI: MAHATMA

GANDHI CALLED HIM 'RASHTRIYA SHAYAR'

orn in the town of Chotila, Jhaverchand Kalidas Meghani called himself 'Pahad
BNu Balak'. He was an eminent litterateur who was called 'Rashtriya Shayar' by
Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on 28 August 1896 in Chotila town of Saurashtra.
From a young age, he showed a keen interest in literature. He completed a degree
in both Sanskrit and English literature. The famous folk poet Jhaverchand used to
sing Gujarati folk songs to make people aware of the suppression of the British Raj.
At the same time, he was also working to conserve the folklore traditions of the
country. In 1930, Meghani released a collection of 15 patriotic songs in which he
praised Salt and Dholera Satyagraha. The British government banned the book and
confiscated all its copies. But because of the revolutionary spirit of the people, his
voice could not be suppressed and copies of the book were distributed secretly.
The British sent a summon to him to appear in the special court on 28 April 1930 by
making false allegations against him. After this, he was sent to Sabarmati Jail for
two years of imprisonment. But he was released within a year after the Gandhi-Irwin
BORN: 28 AUGUST 1896, Pact. On the eve of leaving for England for the Second Round Table Conference,
DEATH: 9 MARCH 1947 Mahatma Gandhi felt that the British were unwilling to accede to his demand for
complete independence. In response, Meghani wrote a poem called 'Chello Katoro'
which meant the last cup of poison. Reading this, Mahatma Gandhi immediately
IN 1930, MEGHANI said, "Meghani seems to have entered my soul and completely controlled my mind
RELEASED A through this poem." That's when he gave Meghani the title of 'Rashtriya Shayar'.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel also praised him and said "Meghani's voice was full of
COLLECTION OF courage." One of his famous songs 'Mor bani thangat kare'... i.e. my mind dances
15 PATRIOTIC like a peacock, was used in the 2013 Hindi film 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela, Ramleela'.

SONGS IN WHICH Meghani has also authored more than 100 books. His first book was published
under the title 'Kurbani Ni Kathao' which was a translation of Rabindranath Tagore's
HE PRAISED SALT 'Katha O Kahini'. This book was first published in 1922. He was also the editor of the
AND DHOLERA 'Phulchhab' newspaper of the Janmabhoomi group, which is being published from
Rajkot to date. Revolutionary poet Jhaverchand Meghani continued to participate in
SATYAGRAHA the freedom struggle but he was also troubled by the growing communal disharmony
in the country. Perhaps due to this grief, he suffered a heart attack, and on 9 March
1947, he left for the heavenly abode. On 14 September 1999, the Department of
Posts issued a stamp in his honor.

1942, he was imprisoned for participating in the Service Society, Kelappan's reformist outlook is
Quit India Movement. Apart from his role in the praised in present times also. After independence,
freedom struggle of India, he also made efforts he played a major role in the formation of the state
for the upliftment of the downtrodden sections of of Kerala by unifying the three princely states of
society. He worked hard to eradicate untouchability Malayalam-speaking people. He was elected to the
and worked for the upliftment of Harijans. He also Parliament in 1952. At the end of his tenure, he left
established several Harijan hostels and schools active politics and became a Sarvodaya activist. He
in Kerala. He was at the forefront of the Swadeshi became actively involved in the Bhoodan movement
movement and worked tirelessly to develop Khadi in Kerala. He was also the president of almost all
and Village Industries. Apart from his selfless Gandhian organizations in Kerala. He is remembered
commitment to India's independence, one of the as a selfless man who never sought power or
major achievements of K Kelappan is the Guruvayur position, and upheld Gandhiji's ideals, and lived
plebiscite. The plebiscite opened the doors of many the life of a 'Sewak'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
private temples owned by upper caste and upper remembered Kelappan who is affectionately called
caste groups to the public at large, irrespective of 'Kerala Gandhi' at the inauguration of the centenary
their caste or class. year celebrations of Mathrubhumi newspaper.
As a founding member and president of the Nair K Kelappan died on 07 October 1971.

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