Pandit Pyare Lal Sharma (1873–1941) was an Indian lawyer, politician, and key figure in the Indian National Congress during the early 20th century. He played a prominent role in organizing Congress units and promoting Mahatma Gandhi's vision of a secular and independent India. Sharma is remembered for his contributions to the freedom struggle and his commitment to social reform, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
Pandit Pyare Lal Sharma | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1863 |
| Died | 1941 |
| Education | ? |
| Years active | unknown-1940s |
| Known for | Khilafat Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement |
Early life and education
editSharma was born in 1873 into a Gaur Brahmin family in the Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. His father, Pandit Hanuman Prasad, was a zamindar, which afforded the family a respectable middle-class status. Sharma's early education included Urdu, Persian, and Sanskrit, reflecting his deep interest in languages. He later pursued higher education[where?], earning a master's degree in English and a law degree, which led him to a successful career as a criminal lawyer.[1][3]
Despite his early success, Sharma was drawn to India's nationalist movement. His interest in social and political reform led him to abandon his legal practice and dedicate himself to the cause of Indian independence.[1][3][4][5][6][7]
Political career and activism
editSharma became an active member of the Indian National Congress in 1916, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's call for nonviolent resistance. He was an early supporter of the Khilafat Movement and played a significant role in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1922, which marked a turning point in his political career. Sharma was instrumental in organizing Congress activities in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, working closely with leaders like Lala Shanker Lal and Hakim Ajmal Khan to strengthen the Congress in Delhi and neighboring areas.[1][5]
Sharma also participated in defending those involved in the Meerut Conspiracy and Kakori cases, providing legal assistance to freedom fighters. He later served as an elected member of the Swarajya Party in the Central Legislative Assembly from 1924 to 1928, advocating for Indian self-rule.[1][6]
Contributions to the freedom movement
editA key figure in the Civil Disobedience Movement, Sharma actively participated in the 1930–31 protests against British-imposed taxes, particularly the salt tax. In 1932, he defied prohibitory orders by organizing a large Congress gathering in Delhi, further solidifying his place as a committed leader in the independence movement.[1]
In 1937, Sharma was appointed Minister for Education in Uttar Pradesh's first Congress government under Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant. However, due to disagreements with his colleagues over administrative policies, he resigned from his position, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his principles.[1][6]
Social reform and legacy
editOutside politics, Sharma was deeply committed to social reform. He founded a National School in Meerut in 1931 and served as the secretary of the Gaur Brahmin Sabha, advocating for education and community welfare. He also established handicraft centers to support destitute children and widows, believing in the importance of a self-sufficient rural economy based on cottage industries.[1][6]
Although a devout Hindu, Sharma was a firm believer in secularism and envisioned an India where all communities—Hindu, Muslim, and others—could coexist peacefully with equal rights. His contributions to the Indian freedom struggle and social reform were recognized when a suburb in Meerut was named Pyare Lal Nagar, and a statue in his honor was unveiled by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Sharma's legacy as a principled leader and advocate for justice continues to inspire generations.[1][7]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i SEN, S. P. (1974). DICTIONARY OF NATIONAL BIOGRAPHY VOL.4. INSTITUTE OF HISTORICAL STUDIES,CALCUTTA.
- ^ "मेरठ को पहचान दे गए प्यारे लाल शर्मा". inextlive (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ a b c Brass, Paul R. (1965). Factional Politics in an Indian State. University of California Press.
- ^ a b Basu, Jyoti (1997). Documents of the Communist Movement in India: Meerut conspiracy case (1929). National Book Agency. ISBN 978-81-7626-002-2.
- ^ a b c Abbasi, Parvez A. (1999). Social Inequality Among Indian Muslims. A.C. Brothers. ISBN 978-81-85489-05-6.
- ^ a b c d e Hussain, Mohamed Ahmad (1987). Urban Politics in India. Criterion Publications.
- ^ a b c Jain, Ajit Prasad (1985). Rafi Ahmad Kidwai: A Memoir of His Life and Times. Asia Publishing House.