Batakh Mian was a cook at the residence of a British Indigo plantation owner in the East Champaran district, Bihar. He refused to poison Mahatma Gandhi during the latter’s stay at Champaran for the satyagraha in 1917.
The agitation of the Champaran Indigo farmers gained momentum as a result of Gandhiji's intervention. Offended by Gandhiji, Erwin, a British owner of an indigo plantation, devised a conspiracy to kill him. He invited Gandhiji to dinner and ordered Batakh Mian to taint the milk that was to be served to Gandhiji. Despite being offered money and facing death threats, Mian told Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who accompanied Gandhiji about the conspiracy and Gandhiji successfully escaped. But Batakh Mian had to pay a heavy price for his conscience and bravery. He was taken prisoner and tortured. His house was converted into a crematorium, and his family was ruthlessly expelled from the village. The great story of his sacrifice came to the public only in 1950, when Dr Prasad, then the President, visited Champaran. The honourable President thanked him for his bravery and appreciated him on behalf of the nation.
Batakh Mian’s story is a glowing testimony to the profound contributions made towards the struggle for Indian independence by different groups of people.
Source: Indian Culture Portal