Recently, January 20 marked the death anniversary of Sewa Singh Thikriwala.
Early life – He was born in late 19th century in Thikriwala village, part of princely state Patiala, Punjab.
His father Dewa Singh was a high-ranking official in the court of Maharaja Rajinder Singh.
Revolutionary phase – He spearheaded the self-rule movement against the rulers of Punjab’s erstwhile princely states.
His direct criticism of the Patiala Maharaja’s rule led the authorities to imprison him.
His fellow Akali leader Kharak Singh launched a campaign against the state for demanding his release.
Praja Mandal Movement
The Punjab Riyasat Praja Mandal was formed in Punjab.
President – Sewa Singh Thikriwala.
It was largely run by Akali leaders.
Objectives
To protect the civil liberties of the masses.
To protest against oppressive taxes.
To seek reforms in the peasants’ conditions.
To open educational institutions.
To have a responsible government.
Coverage – It spread over 600 princely states of British India.
Important leaders - Kharak Singh and Master Tara Singh.
Significance - Now part of the Malwa region, with some parts in Haryana, these areas are politically active even today and were hotbeds of the recent farmers’ agitations.
Meeting with Gandhi – After his release in 1928, he met Mahatma Gandhi in 1931, to discuss the problems faced by the people of Punjab.
Negotiation – Patiala Maharaja initiated negotiation with him but it failed over the demand for an elected assembly.
Last phase of his life – He died in 1935, while he was on a hunger strike in jail over his mistreatment by jail authorities.
Memorial – After his death, a memorial has been held annually in the Thikriwala Village in January.
Government has announced that Sewa Singh’s house would also be turned into a memorial.
