Swami Brahmanand ji Maharaj

Swami Brahmanand was born in 4th disember 1894 at Barhara village in Rath tahsil. A reformer, Swami Brahmanand Maharaj had strongly opposed social evils like superstition and illiteracy. His father was a poor farmer named Matadeen Lodhi and mothers name was Jasoda Bai. Shivdayal was his childhood name. From childhood, he stubbornly opposed the evil spirits like illiteracy in society.

His early education was done in hamirpur. He reads many religious books like Ramayan, Mahabharat, ved, Puran and Upnishad thats why people started calling him as Swami Brahmanand.

He was married with Radhabai daugher of Gopal Mahto in Hamirpur. At the age of 23 after the marriage in childhood, he renounced the marriage life and took sanyas. He deserted his family and went to Haridwar for spritual knowledge.

After the joining of Spiritualism, He started working against English government. He also started participated in freedom movement in 1921 after connecting with Mahatma Gandhi, Pt Jawaharlal lal Nehru and Ganesh shankar Vidyarthi. He had to go to jail in 1932 for the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement

Mahatma Gandhi visited in Rath in 1928. He participated in salt movement, non cooperation movement and quit india movement. He also participated in anti-cowkill movement He went to Hamirpur, Hardoi and Kanpur jail many times.

During this time he united with Mahatma Gandi, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Pt Govind Vallabh Pant, Dr Sampoornanand, Lala Lajpat Ray, Ganesh shankar Vidyarthi and other freedom fighters who participated actively in freedom movements. He had good relation with Indira Gandhi and V.V Giri.

He started advertising education after returning from jail. Swami ji established Brahmanand school in 1938 which later turned to university in 1960 that is today's hamirpur degree college.

According to Rekha devi Churaha, After getting liberty Swami ji advocated hamirpur in Lok sabha during 1967 to 1977. He founded many educational institute in district like.

1. Brahmanad Inter college Rath (1938)
2. Brahmanad sanskrit Vidyalaya ((1943)
3. Brahmanand Mahavidyalaya (1960)

He had a great personality. and loved by many current politician. He had dedicated his life to the upliftment of the society and Dalits.

He participated for the welfare of society. And died in 13 september 1988. Hamirpurites always remember his education, teachings and morals.

Categories: Freedom Fighters