Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, a figure considered a deity by farmers, was born in Deva village, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. He dedicated his life to the farmers of Bihar. His death anniversary is observed with events in Ghazipur. He is credited with guiding Jawaharlal Nehru with Gita knowledge and mentoring Subhas Chandra Bose. His death anniversary is marked by programs across the region.
He is remembered as the father of the farmer’s movement in Bihar and is revered as a god by the farmers. He worked tirelessly for the upliftment of farmers throughout his life and passed away on June 26, 1950, in Bihta, Bihar. The anniversary is marked with respect by those associated with the farmers’ movement. Events are held in his birthplace, Deva village, and other areas.
Swami Sahajanand Saraswati was born on February 22, 1889, in the village of Deva, Ghazipur. His childhood name was Nairang Rai, and he was drawn to spirituality from a young age. Despite being married in his childhood, his wife passed away before he could start his household life. He then became a sanyasi, adopting the name Swami Sahajanand Saraswati.
His famous slogan ‘Kaise loge malguzari, lath hamara zindabad’ became a rallying cry in the farmers’ movement in Bihar against the landlords. He met Mahatma Gandhi on December 5, 1920, and joined the Congress at Gandhi’s request.
He actively participated in the independence movement, making Bihar the center of his activities at Gandhi’s behest. He was jailed in Ghazipur, Varanasi, Azamgarh, Faizabad, and Lucknow during the freedom struggle. During his imprisonment, he diverged from Gandhi’s approach due to perceived leniency towards landlords, ultimately leading to his separation from the Mahatma. He then dedicated his life to the cause of the farmers.