Murkar Shivram Bhiku, a revered freedom fighter, was born in the humble village of Dabhol in the taluka of Dapoli, District Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Despite only completing his education until the fourth standard in a Marathi medium school, he shouldered the immense responsibility of supporting his family, which included two brothers and two sisters, due to their impoverished circumstances.
To support his family, Shivram engaged in fisheries and ran a small hotel. His daily interactions at the ports provided him with a clandestine means of communication, as he received secret messages via the sea route, which he then passed on to his fellow revolutionaries, including those operating underground. In addition to his covert activities, Shivram actively participated in distributing bulletins and joining processions in Bombay, where he was eventually arrested in 1930 while safeguarding the tricolour flag during a demonstration. His commitment to the cause led to a six-month imprisonment in Yerwada jail and a fifty-rupee fine.
Following India's independence, Shivram ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing his restaurant, aptly named 'Samata Lunch Home'. Despite his business endeavours, he remained dedicated to social welfare, providing shelter and sustenance to those seeking education or medical assistance in Dapoli.
Murkar Shivram Bhiku passed away on 23 December 1977.
Name mentioned in Gazetteer Government of Maharashtra.
Source: Vijay Balasaheb Pawbake, Contributor for CCRT.