As India commemorates the 122nd birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, Kisan Diwas is being observed on December 23 centered on the theme “Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation”. Singh’s legacy as a champion of farmers remains as a touchstone in India’s political and agricultural landscape.
Championing Rural India
Born into a middle-class peasant family in Noorpur, Uttar Pradesh, in 1902, Chaudhary Charan Singh’s life was dedicated to the upliftment of Indian farmers. From his early days in the Indian National Congress to becoming India’s 5th Prime Minister, Charan Singh’s relentless fight for land reforms and rural empowerment transformed the nation’s agrarian landscape.
Known for pioneering landmark bills, including the Debt Redemption Bill (1939) and the Land Holding Act (1960), Charan Singh tackled issues of land distribution and agricultural sustainability.
As Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and later as Prime Minister, he focused on farmers’ welfare and rural development.
He held several key positions during his career, including serving as Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant’s government. Chaudhary Charan Singh was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs in the government led by Indira Gandhi during the 1970s. He also served as the Minister of Agriculture.
He emerged as a prominent figure in the anti-Congress movement, playing a major role in the foundation of the Janata Party.
Charan Singh became the 5th Prime Minister of India in 1979, leading a minority government. His tenure was short-lived, as his government fell in 1980 due to internal divisions and a lack of support in Parliament. Despite his brief tenure, his leadership highlighted his vision for agricultural reforms and rural upliftment.
Visions for rural democracy
Chaudhary Charan Singh, is often regarded as the “champion of India’s peasants”. He revolutionized rural India with policies focused on agrarian capitalism and decentralization. His vision was rooted in India’s villages, emphasizing the economic empowerment of marginalized communities.
He advocated majorly for “rural democracy”.
Singh’s saying, “A nation can prosper only when its rural sector is upgraded,” highlighted his commitment to the upliftment of rural sectors. He challenged urban-centric policies, promoting small enterprises and agricultural growth as pillars of national development.
Kisan Diwas
Celebrated annually on December 23 since 2001, Kisan Diwas, also kmown as National Farmers’ Day, marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, honouring his lifelong dedication to the nation’s farmers.
It is celebrated highlighting the significance of farmers in the country’s development, through various programs, seminars, exhibitions, among others.
In 2024, the government posthumously honored him with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, for his contributions to the country.
Tributes on His Birth Anniversary
Several leaders paid tribute paid tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary.
Image source: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him an inspiration and said “Humble tribute to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, a true well-wisher of the poor and farmers, on his birth anniversary. His dedication and service to the nation will continue to inspire everyone.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X, and wrote “Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji, who dedicated his entire life for the rights of farmers and the underprivileged, fought bravely against the anti-democracy forces during the Emergency. Through his life, he showed that even a common man can reach the highest post in the country by making service his resolution. His personality and deeds are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for every social worker.”
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Chaudhary Charan Singh’s grandson, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, also commemorated the occasion at Kisan Ghat in New Delhi, by laying flowers at his memorial.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wished the farmers on the occasion, and wrote on X, “Today the whole country is celebrating the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji as ‘Kisan Diwas.’ I wish all the farmer brothers of the country a Happy Kisan Diwas.”
