Font size:
Print
Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar
Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar was a significant figure in India’s freedom struggle and social reform movements. Born on December 17, 1869, in Deoghar, Jharkhand, he was a revolutionary journalist and a key proponent of the Indian Renaissance. His upbringing in a Bengali environment, despite his Marathi roots, allowed him to bridge the cultural and intellectual movements between Maharashtra and Bengal. He is also known as the “Tilak of Bengal”.
Role in India’s Freedom Struggle:
- Revolutionary Journalism: Deuskar was a pioneering journalist who used his platform to challenge British rule. He edited and contributed to several periodicals, including Maratha, where he published articles that highlighted the injustices of colonial policies.
- His writings often called for unity among Indians and encouraged resistance against British oppression.
- Desher Katha: His book Desher Katha (The Story of the Country) is a landmark work that critically assessed British exploitation and its negative impact on Indian society. It provided a historical perspective on India’s rich heritage and culture, aiming to instil pride among Indians.
- The book’s ban by the British authorities only amplified its reach and significance, making it a rallying point for nationalists.
- Shivaji Festival: Deuskar played a crucial role in organising the Shivaji Festival in Bengal, which celebrated the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- This festival not only served as a cultural event but also became a platform for political mobilisation. It aimed to inspire pride in Indian history and foster a sense of unity against colonial rule.
- Participation in the Swadeshi Movement: During the Swadeshi Movement, which emerged as a response to the partition of Bengal in 1905, Deuskar was actively involved in promoting the use of indigenous goods.
- He wrote extensively about the importance of self-reliance and economic independence, encouraging people to boycott British products. His advocacy for local industries helped galvanise public support for the movement.
Social Reforms:
- Education Advocacy: Deuskar was a strong proponent of education as a means of empowerment.
- He believed that educating the masses was essential for fostering political consciousness and social change.
- He wrote articles calling for educational reforms and greater access to education for all, particularly for women and lower castes.
- Critique of Social Inequality: In his writings, Deuskar addressed issues of social inequality and caste discrimination.
- He advocated for social justice and equality, urging society to move beyond rigid caste boundaries.
- His emphasis on social reform was part of a broader vision for an independent India that was not only politically free but also socially just.
- Literary Contributions: Deuskar’s literary works included essays, poems, and plays that often carried themes of nationalism and social reform. For instance, his play Raja Shivaji, which celebrated the life and achievements of Shivaji Maharaj, not only served as entertainment but also as an educational tool that instilled values of bravery and patriotism among audiences.
