Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, known as the ‘God of Farmers,’ was a prominent figure born in Deva village, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. His life’s work was dedicated to uplifting farmers, primarily in Bihar. Today marks his death anniversary, commemorated with events in Ghazipur. He is also recognized for imparting the knowledge of the Gita to Jawaharlal Nehru and guiding Subhas Chandra Bose. His efforts led to the creation of various programs to honor him.
As a pioneer of the farmers’ movement in Bihar, he holds a revered place in the hearts of the state’s farmers. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati spent his life advocating for farmers, and he passed away on June 26, 1950, in Bihta, Bihar. People associated with the farmers’ movement observe this day with respect. Commemorative events are also organized in his birthplace, Deva village, and other locations.
Born on February 22, 1889, in Deva village, Ghazipur, Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, whose childhood name was Nairang Rai, was inclined towards spirituality from a young age. His wife passed away, and he became a sanyasi. He became Swami Sahajanand Saraswati.
His famous slogan, ‘Kaise loge malguzari, lath hamara zindabad’, became a popular slogan in the farmers’ movement in Bihar. On December 5, 1920, he met Mahatma Gandhi and joined the Congress at Gandhi’s request.
He participated in the fight for independence, at Gandhi’s behest, making Bihar the center of his activities. He was imprisoned in Ghazipur, Varanasi, Azamgarh, Faizabad, and Lucknow during the freedom struggle, along with Patna’s Bankipur jail and Hazaribagh Central Jail. He later diverged from Gandhi’s approach, specifically his perceived leniency toward landlords, and dedicated his life to the cause of the farmers.