Unsung Heroes | History Corner | Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India

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Paying tribute to India’s freedom fighters

Balkrishna Mathurdas Gujar

Pune, Maharashtra

May 22, 2023 to May 22, 2024

Balkrishna Mathuradas Gujar was a significant local political figure from Pune, previously known as Poona. Information about his background is scarce, except that he hailed from Ghotawade village of Mulshi Taluka of Pune district. In the early 1920s, he actively participated in the Mulshi Satyagraha and avoided conviction.

During the Civil Disobedience Movement, Gujar organized protests in Mulshi Petha. He also instigated the no-tax movement, organized Prabhat Feris, conducted meetings and processions, and picketed liquor shops. These activities led to his arrest, and he was sentenced to four months of rigorous imprisonment. Upon his release, Gujar resumed his freedom struggle journey by organizing conferences, forming the Congress Committee at Ghotawade, and being elected as the first President of the Mulshi Petha Congress Committee. However, with the enactment of the Promulgation Ordinance, the British government aimed to suppress organizations that encouraged the masses to unite against the British Raj. Balkrishna had to dissolve the Committee but managed to appoint dictators to continue mobilizing the masses against British Rule.

Therefore, it is evident that Balkrishna Mathuradas Gujar was a Pune-based political figure, who played a role in the Mulshi Satyagraha and later organized protests during the Civil Disobedience Movement. He actively mobilized the masses and faced imprisonment for his activities.

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