Shri Dev Suman: During British rule, the people of India suffered not only under the oppressive policies of the colonial government but also under the tyrannical rule of regional kings and nawabs. The common people were exploited and looted under the pretext of wars. In such dire circumstances, a young boy named Shri Dutt, later known as Shri Dev Suman, rose against the tyranny of the princely state of Tehri. He became a beacon of revolution and awakened the masses.
Shri Dev Suman
Early Life and Education
Shri Dev Suman was born on May 25, 1915, in Jaul village of Bamund Patta, Tehri Garhwal. His father, Pandit Hariram Badoni, was a Vaidya (traditional physician), and his mother, Tara Devi, took care of the family. Tragically, his father passed away when Suman was just three years old, leaving his mother with the responsibility of raising the family.
Suman completed his primary education in Chamba and later passed his middle school exams from Tehri in 1929. Seeking further education, he moved beyond the state's borders to Dehradun, where he came into contact with several influential personalities. He studied at Sanatan Dharma School for about a year and a half and became actively involved in the 1930 Salt Satyagraha movement, for which he was imprisoned for 13-14 days. Due to his young age, he was later released. Alongside teaching, he pursued higher studies, earning degrees like "Ratna Bhushan" and "Prabhakar" from Punjab University and "Visharad" and "Sahitya Ratna" from the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan.
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Literary Contributions
In Delhi, Suman engaged in both studies and literature. He published a poetry collection titled Suman Saurabh, a 32-page book released on June 17, 1937. He also contributed to the Hindu Mahasabha’s newspaper Hindu and the weekly Dharma Rajya, run by Jagadguru Shankaracharya. During his time in Delhi, he met several eminent leaders, including Dr. Zakir Hussain and famous writer Kaka Kalelkar. Kalelkar was impressed by Suman and took him to Wardha, where he had the privilege of meeting Mahatma Gandhi.
Political Activism and Struggle Against Tehri State
Suman traveled across India, attending conferences and meetings to highlight the plight of the people of Tehri. On March 22, 1938, he established the Garhdesh Seva Sangh in Delhi, uniting Garhwali people living there. That same year, he married Vinayalakshmi from Padiyar village. Shortly after, he attended a political conference in Srinagar (Garhwal), where he met active Congress leaders and vowed to serve both British Garhwal and the princely state of Tehri.
Suman played a key role in forming the Tehri Rajya Praja Mandal on January 23, 1939, in Dehradun, serving as its secretary. He attended the All India States People’s Conference in Ludhiana and raised awareness about the oppression in Tehri. His activism led him to travel across India, from Dehradun and Tehri to Delhi, Shimla, Mumbai, and Wardha.
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Imprisonment and Martyrdom
In May 1940, Suman returned to Tehri to continue his fight for the rights of the people. He demanded civil liberties from the administration, but his appeals were ignored. He held public meetings to raise awareness, which led to authorities imposing restrictions on his speeches.
Despite the oppression, Suman continued his movement. He was arrested on April 30, 1941, and kept in custody under harsh conditions. He was tortured, forced to wear heavy shackles, and given inedible food. He demanded humane treatment but was denied justice. Eventually, he started a hunger strike, refusing food and water for 84 days in protest against the inhumane treatment in prison.
On July 25, 1944, after enduring unimaginable suffering, Shri Dev Suman attained martyrdom. His sacrifice became a symbol of resistance against oppression and inspired future generations in the fight for justice.
Legacy
Shri Dev Suman’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle remain etched in history. His unwavering courage, determination, and sacrifice continue to inspire those who fight against injustice. His life serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the relentless pursuit of truth and justice.
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