The recent unveiling of a new statue of freedom fighter Govind Ballabh Pant at Pandit Pant Marg in New Delhi puts a spotlight on this iconic figure. The monument was earlier located near Raisina Road circle, but had to be relocated to accommodate the new Parliament building layout.
Govind Ballabh Pant: A Brief Profile
Govind Ballabh Pant is a notable personality in the history of India’s freedom struggle and is credited with shaping modern India’s administrative framework. Born on 10th September 1887 in Almora, Uttarakhand, Pant began his participation in the Indian National Congress (INC) as a volunteer when he was just 18, inspired by eminent personalities like Gopalkrishna Gokhale and Madan Mohan Malaviya.
Pant graduated with a law degree in 1907 and practiced in Almora before moving to Kashipur. His early contribution to society is marked by his establishment of an organization named Prem Sabha, which worked towards various reforms and even saved a school from shutting down due to tax non-payment.
He served as the Premier of United Provinces (1937 – 1939), First Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh (1946 -1954), and Union Home Minister (1955 – 1961). For his immense contributions to the nation, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, in 1957.
Pant’s Contribution to the National Movement
Pant joined INC in December 1921 and swiftly became part of the non-cooperation movement. He was imprisoned in 1930 for organizing a Salt March, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful protests.
Elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly as a Swarajist Party candidate from Nainital, as a government member, Pant worked tirelessly for the abolition of the Zamindari system. He lobbied for the reduction of agricultural taxes on farmers and supported local cottage industries. Pant was also vocal against the coolie-beggar law, a British rule that demanded free labour from porters.
Pant strongly opposed a separate electorate for minorities, believing it would lead to further community division. During World War II, he strived to mediate between factions within the INC – Gandhi’s group advocating support for the British Crown, and Subash Chandra Bose’s faction suggesting more radical measures to oust the British Raj.
In 1942, Pant was arrested for signing the Quit India resolution and spent three years in Ahmednagar Fort with other Congress working committee members until March 1945. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru eventually secured his release, citing Pant’s deteriorating health.
Post-Independence Contributions
Following India’s independence, Pant became Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, focusing on farmer upliftment and the eradication of untouchability. After the demise of Sardar Patel, Pant was appointed the Union Home Minister, a role in which he ardently advocated making Hindi the national language, or rashtrabhasha.
Govind Ballabh Pant’s life and work resonate powerfully in India’s history, and the unveiling of his statue in New Delhi is a fitting tribute to his invaluable contributions to the nation.
Source: PIB
