Ram Manohar Lohia: Difference between revisions
Created page with "{{#seo: |title=Ram Manohar Lohia – Socialist Leader and Freedom Fighter |description=Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, socialist political thinker, and a fierce opponent of caste inequality and authoritarianism in post-independence India. |keywords=Ram Manohar Lohia, Socialist leader, Indian freedom struggle, Congress Radio, Lohia ideology, Samyukta Socialist Party |image=Ram Manohar Lohia.jpg }} {{Infobox deceased | name = Ram Man..." |
m Protected "Ram Manohar Lohia" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite)) |
(No difference)
| |
Revision as of 05:45, 9 July 2025
| Ram Manohar Lohia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia | |
| Born | 23 March 1910 |
| Birthplace | Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh, British India |
| Died | 12 October 1967 (aged 57) |
| Place of death | New Delhi, India |
| Resting place | Rajghat vicinity, New Delhi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Freedom Fighter, Political Leader, Socialist Thinker |
| Years active | 1930–1967 |
| Known for | Congress Radio, Lohiaism, Anti-Congress Politics, Socialist Thought |
| Notable works | Wheel of History, Marx, Gandhi and Socialism, Fragments of a World Mind |
| Awards | National Recognition (Posthumous), Institutions named after him |
| Spouse(s) | None |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Hira Lal Lohia (father), Chanda (mother) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | |
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (23 March 1910 – 12 October 1967) was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, socialist political leader, and one of the most original thinkers in post-independence Indian politics. He is remembered for his advocacy of equality, Hindi as a national language, and for challenging the dominance of the Congress Party in independent India.[1]
Early Life and Education
Born in Akbarpur, United Provinces, Lohia lost his mother at a young age and was raised by his father, a nationalist and advocate. He pursued higher education at the University of Calcutta and later earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Berlin in Germany, where he was deeply influenced by socialism and anti-imperialist thoughts.[2]
Role in Freedom Struggle
Lohia joined the Indian National Congress and became a close associate of Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose. During the Quit India Movement, he launched the underground radio station called Congress Radio, which broadcast messages against British rule.[3] He was arrested multiple times and spent several years in British jails.
Post-Independence Politics
After independence, Lohia became a vocal critic of Nehruvian socialism and centralization. He founded the Praja Socialist Party and later the Samyukta Socialist Party (SSP). His political thought, often called Lohiaism, was a blend of socialism, anti-casteism, and nationalism.
He also led several mass movements on issues like:
- Caste discrimination and untouchability
- Promotion of Hindi and regional languages
- Advocacy for women's rights and farmers' issues
Ideology and Contributions
Lohia's ideology focused on:
- Sapta Kranti (Seven Revolutions) – including revolutions against inequality based on caste, gender, race, wealth, and colonialism
- Opposition to both capitalism and communism – a third alternative socialism rooted in Indian realities
- Decentralization of power
Death and Legacy
Lohia died in 1967 at the age of 57 in New Delhi after a brief illness. His legacy continues through:
- Universities and institutions named in his honor (e.g., Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, RMLNLU)
- Revered by socialist leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Nitish Kumar
- A source of ideological inspiration for anti-Congress and pro-social justice politics
See Also
References
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/remembering-lohia/article5983648.ece
- ↑ https://www.theprint.in/theprint-profile/ram-manohar-lohia-socialist-icon-who-mentored-mulayam-nitish-lalu/1323611/
- ↑ https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/oct/04/ram-manohar-lohia-a-maverick-patriot-2205240.html