Unsung Heroes Detail

Mahabir Prasad Mahto was a freedom fighter from Dhanbad, Jharkhand and even after independence he largely contributed to the field of education and worked for the Govindpur block tirelessly.  He was born on 23 February 1923 and from a very early age started participating in the freedom struggle in which he could complete his education. He had three sons namely  Jagdish Prasad Mahto, Dev Narayan Mahto Pradip Kumar Mahto, and two daughters. He was greatly influenced by Gandhiji. Similar to Gandhiji he wore only one dhoti and was called “Gandhi of Kolyanchal”. He came to Dhanbad on 7 November 1945, when Govindpur block was not developed in the field of education and for this, he settled in Gosaindih village in Govindpur block. He established Kasturba Gandhi Ashram in Gasaindih. The ashram worked towards awakening people. In Pahleto another school was established by him and also established a hostel for the scheduled tribe and set up a Charkha Committee also where people were taught to work or use charkha. For his contribution to the freedom movement on 15th August 1972, he received Tamra Patra from President Gyani Zail Singh. In 1984 again he received a medal from the President. He was also the Vice President of Akhil Bhartiya Swatantrata Senani Sangh, Secretary of Adim Jati Sevak Sangh, President of Dhanbad Zila Panchayat Parishad, and Lifetime Senator of Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag. He also worked for sick people and provided them with monetary help. He died on 28th May 1996.