Bhavani Singh Rawat: India's struggle for independence witnessed the unparalleled bravery of countless revolutionaries who sacrificed everything for the nation's freedom. Among them was Bhavani Singh Rawat, a fearless revolutionary from Uttarakhand. Recognized as one of the most active freedom fighters of the Garhwal region, he played a crucial role in India's independence movement.
Bhavani Singh Rawat
Early Life and Education
Born on October 8, 1910, in Panchur village, Chaundkot, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Bhavani Singh Rawat was raised in a disciplined military environment. His father, Captain Nathusingh, served in the British army, leading Bhavani Singh to spend his childhood in military camps. During his studies at Lansdowne Army School, he observed the discriminatory behavior of British officers toward Indians, which ignited a deep resentment against colonial rule.
During World War I, Captain Nathusingh's distinguished service in the Garhwal Rifles earned him a 20-acre land grant near Dugadda from the British government. Consequently, in 1927, he relocated his family from Panchur to Dugadda, a place later named Nathupur.
Journey into the Revolutionary Movement
Bhavani Singh pursued further education in Chandosi and later at Hindu College, Delhi. During his college years, he became actively involved in revolutionary activities and joined the secret revolutionary group in 1927. His commitment to India's freedom struggle strengthened over time. He had the privilege of meeting Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai and later became an active member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), led by Chandra Shekhar Azad.
In 1930, Bhavani Singh participated in the infamous Gadolia Store robbery in Delhi and was also involved in the bomb attack on Lord Irwin's train. His fearless actions shook the British administration, marking him as a significant threat to colonial rule.
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Chandra Shekhar Azad’s Safe Haven in Dugadda
As British authorities intensified their crackdown on revolutionaries, Chandra Shekhar Azad sought a secure hideout. Bhavani Singh invited Azad to Nathupur, a proposal Azad readily accepted. For some time, Bhavani Singh’s residence became a refuge for Azad and his fellow revolutionaries, including Ramchandra, Hazarilal, Chhail Bihari, and Vishambhar Dayal.
Azad used this time to train his associates in sharpshooting. During a practice session in the Sajhasain forests, Azad displayed his unmatched precision by shooting at a small leaf without causing it to fall, leaving his comrades in awe of his marksmanship.
Arrest and Struggles
Following the arrest of revolutionary Kailashpati, British intelligence uncovered crucial information about Bhavani Singh and his comrades. On February 19, 1931, Chandra Shekhar Azad attained martyrdom in Allahabad, and on March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed by the British.
Amidst this turmoil, Bhavani Singh was sent to Mumbai, where he disguised himself as a Muslim and edited an Urdu magazine. However, on December 25, 1932, he was arrested by the British police. Due to a lack of concrete evidence, he was later released, but as a consequence, his father’s pension was revoked by the British government.
Later Life and Legacy
After his release, Bhavani Singh returned to his village, Nathupur, where he contributed to the establishment of the Chandra Shekhar Azad Memorial. He passed away on May 6, 1986, and his memorial stands at the very site where Azad once trained his fellow revolutionaries. Today, this place is known as "Azad Park," featuring a grand statue of Chandra Shekhar Azad.
Apart from Bhavani Singh Rawat, Uttarakhand also produced other notable revolutionaries like Indra Singh Garhwali and Bachhulal. Every year, on February 27, a Shaheed Mela (Martyrs' Fair) is organized in Dugadda to honor Chandra Shekhar Azad and his associates, ensuring their sacrifices remain eternally remembered.
Bhavani Singh Rawat's contributions to India's freedom struggle remain an inspiring yet lesser-known chapter in history. His unwavering courage and sacrifice deserve wider recognition. As we celebrate our nation's independence, remembering such unsung heroes ensures their legacy continues to ignite the spirit of patriotism in future generations.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bhavani Singh Rawat
1. Who was Bhavani Singh Rawat?
Bhavani Singh Rawat was a revolutionary freedom fighter from Uttarakhand who played a crucial role in India’s independence movement. He was known for his association with Chandra Shekhar Azad and other revolutionaries.
2. When and where was Bhavani Singh Rawat born?
He was born on October 8, 1910, in Panchur village, Chaunadkot, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
3. What inspired Bhavani Singh Rawat to join the freedom struggle?
During his school years in Lansdowne Army School, he witnessed British officers discriminating against Indians. This injustice ignited his patriotic spirit, leading him to join the revolutionary movement.
4. Which revolutionary groups was Bhavani Singh Rawat associated with?
He was actively involved with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a group led by Chandra Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, and Rajguru.
5. What were Bhavani Singh Rawat’s major revolutionary activities?
- He participated in the Delhi Gadolia Store Robbery (1930).
- He was involved in an attempt to bomb Lord Irwin’s train.
- He provided shelter to Chandra Shekhar Azad and his comrades in Dugadda, Uttarakhand.
6. How did Bhavani Singh Rawat contribute to Chandra Shekhar Azad’s movement?
He gave refuge to Chandra Shekhar Azad and his team at his house in Dugadda. This location later became a secret training ground where Azad trained revolutionaries in shooting.
7. Was Bhavani Singh Rawat ever arrested?
Yes, he was arrested on December 25, 1932, in Mumbai while disguised as a Muslim journalist. However, due to a lack of evidence, he was released.
8. What happened to Bhavani Singh Rawat after India’s independence?
After his release, he returned to his village and contributed to the Chandra Shekhar Azad Memorial at Dugadda.
9. When and where did Bhavani Singh Rawat pass away?
He passed away on May 6, 1986, and his memorial was built at the same place where Chandra Shekhar Azad trained his followers.
10. How is Bhavani Singh Rawat remembered today?
- The Azad Park in Dugadda stands in memory of his contributions.
- A statue of Chandra Shekhar Azad is installed at the site where Bhavani Singh provided him shelter.
- Every February 27, a martyrs’ fair (Balidani Mela) is held in Dugadda to honor his legacy.