Siswa honours freedom fighter Ramprasad Bhalotia’s enduring legacy (Img: Dynamite News)
Maharajganj: The sacrifice and patriotism of freedom fighter Ramprasad Bhalotia were remembered at a memorial ceremony in Siswa Bazaar on Tuesday, where speakers highlighted his role in India’s struggle for independence. The event also featured the release of a book documenting his life and contributions, with organisers seeking to preserve the region’s historical legacy for future generations.
Former Uttar Pradesh minister and Samajwadi Party candidate from the Siswa Assembly constituency, Tibrewal called for a statue of Bhalotia to be installed at a prominent intersection in the town. He said the freedom fighter’s contribution deserved lasting recognition and greater public awareness.
According to historical accounts presented at the event, Bhalotia actively participated in the freedom movement and supported the boycott of foreign goods advocated by the Congress and Mahatma Gandhi.
He reportedly removed foreign clothes from his shop and set them on fire in the presence of Acharya Narendra Dev, demonstrating his opposition to British rule.
His participation in the independence movement led to repeated imprisonment and fines. On January 13, 1922, the British government sentenced him to six months in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 under Section 147 of the Indian Penal Code. On September 22 that year, he received another sentence of one month’s imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000.
Historical accounts also describe an incident in 1931 in Khesari village, in the Siswa region, when he opposed the payment of land revenue. He was reportedly tied to a horse-drawn carriage and dragged, but continued his struggle.
On December 23, 1940, he was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment and fined Rs 1,000 under the Defence of India Rules. In 1943, he completed 18 months of internment at Naini Central Jail in Allahabad alongside former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Mangala Prasad.
The release of a book on Bhalotia’s life and role in the freedom movement was a key feature of the ceremony. Speakers said the initiative would help preserve the history of Siswa Bazaar and Maharajganj while introducing younger generations to the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Umesh presented an account of Bhalotia’s life, while Jayprakash Bhalotia and Utkarsh Bhalotia shared inspiring episodes from his journey.
Nine-year-old Shanvi Bhalotia and four-and-a-half-year-old Nivi Bhalotia also participated, lending an emotional touch to the programme. Shanvi has reportedly received recognition from Uttar Pradesh’s culture and tourism minister for her work in art and culture and has recited a Sanskrit verse before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The ceremony also recognised students for their academic achievements. Kashish Gond of RPIC School in Siswa Bazaar scored 94.5% in the Class 10 board examinations last year, followed by Vasudha Pandey of the same school with 93.3%. Ankita Singh of St Joseph’s School secured 92%.
Other meritorious students were also honoured. Divya Singh delivered a speech representing SKSD Senior Secondary School.
The event was organised by the Bhalotia family and their well-wishers. Among those present were Dynamite News Editor-in-Chief Manoj Tibrewal Aakash, nominated Gorakhpur councillor Durgesh Bajaj, former block chief Uday Pratap Singh, former chairman Ashok Jaiswal and several political representatives, social workers and local residents.
Bhalotia died on October 27, 1978. Speakers said his legacy continued to inspire people, stressing that remembering freedom fighters should go beyond ceremonial tributes and include preserving their values of sacrifice, discipline, public service and patriotism.
