Shobharam, also known as Raut Yadav, resided in the remote village of Arkar in Balod district, located about 50 km northeast of Balod. Despite facing poverty, Shobharam made a living through daily wages and cattle grazing. On 26 January 1895, Shobharam and his wife welcomed their son Ratna, who was later named Ramratan. Despite their financial struggles, Ramratan was raised in a happy environment. During this time, India was under British rule.
He received elementary education up to the fourth grade. Once of eligible age, he married Sukhum, but he developed a love for the nation and was inspired by the words of leaders who encouraged him to become a freedom fighter. The British atrocities further fuelled his desire to leave home and join the struggle for independence.
Leaving his young child with his mother, Ramratan, at the age of 35, actively participated in the freedom struggle in 1930, following the principles of patriotism and Mahatma Gandhi. Due to limited transportation and communication, he was unable to send any messages to his family but devoted himself to serving the country as a freedom fighter. He actively participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942 as part of a group of freedom fighters, enduring imprisonment from 14 November 1942, until 19 April 1943 in Raipur Central Jail.
Ramratan passed away in 1985 at the age of 90, having received a freedom fighter pension during his lifetime. On 15 August 1997, during the 'Golden Jubilee' celebration of India's independence, the then Chief Minister Digvijay Singh honoured Ramratan posthumously with a commendation letter.
Source: Raghvendra Kumar Dhruw, Contributor for CCRT