BRAJA KISHORE PRASAD

Braja Kishore Prasad was born on 14 January 1877 in the Siwan district of Bihar. He completed his early years of schooling in Chhapra and then enrolled at the Presidency College in Calcutta to study Law. In those days, in order to popularize education in English, the British introduced a system of management in their provinces, whereby the zamindars built schools and colleges for this purpose. This drastic transformation in the schools of learning was reflected in Prasad. Besides being erudite and liberal, he was a jurist, a social reformer, a freedom fighter, and a philanthropist. He personified the advent of modernity in Bihar.

Long before Gandhiji stepped foot in Champaran, Prasad was already working to redress the plight of the peasants by legal means. He was a bold and outspoken voice for justice, though many were scared to speak out against the government. His efforts resulted in the Settlement Report, which, though it was not particularly helpful to the ryots (peasants), was an indication that the government was aware of their problems.

His meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 truly inspired him, so much so, that he gave up his legal practice to devote his full attention to the cause of the country’s fight for independence. He was instrumental in Gandhiji's decision to take up the Champaran cause, for which Gandhiji also hand-picked Rajendra Prasad and Anugrah Narayan Sinha as co-leaders. Gandhiji was so moved by Prasad's dedication, that in his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, he dedicated an entire chapter to him, titled, "The Gentle Bihari".

Prasad’s role in the Champaran movement is hailed even today. His outstanding organizational ability, his legal acumen, and familiarity with the peasants’ problems helped Gandhiji to redress the sufferings of the peasants. In fact, at the Governor’s invitation, Gandhiji took him along to Ranchi to meet with the Governor. This crucial meeting led to the introduction of The Champaran Agrarian Bill of 1917, which recommended the abolition of the tinkathia system (the practice that forced the peasants to cultivate indigo on the 3/20th part of their landholding) and payment of 25% of the tawan (compensation) to the peasants. Though this was not an ideal solution, it definitely was a step in the right direction.

Post the Champaran movement, there emerged a new group of full-time politicians, each with their own ideology and methodology, and Braja Kishore Prasad was a front-runner of this group. Notwithstanding his disagreement with Gandhiji on certain issues, Prasad was Gandhiji’s most trusted lieutenant. When Gandhiji was away from Champaran, he was entrusted to fill in for him. The Congress Party in Bihar was nurtured and reinforced by Braja Kishore Prasad, Anugrah Narayan Singh, and Rajendra Prasad. His popularity amongst the masses and his influence in the region saw him elected to the Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body. However, he restricted his activities to Bihar, and attempted to implement Gandhiji’s principles and policies only there.

Prasad was at the helm of Bihar's independence struggle, and the district of Siwan was at the forefront of the independence struggle during the freedom movement. The inhabitants of this area were known for their bravery and fighting spirit. Siwan was also known for its social initiatives, one of which was the anti-purdah movement led by the social activist Prasad. He strived for the emancipation of women. He encouraged the women to step out of the confines of their homes to get educated. In fact, through his daughters, he set an example. He educated them and motivated them to participate in political and community affairs. This inspired other women to join the freedom struggle. Prasad worked hard to bring about social reforms that would improve the condition of the peasants.

Though indisposed, Braja Kishore Prasad guided the Civil Disobedience Movement in Patna. However, this unsung hero did not live to see India attaining freedom in 1947, as he passed away in 1946.

His biography, Braja Kishore Prasad: The Hero of Many Battles, authored by Sachidanand Sinha has been published by The National Book Trust, India. Today, the Bihar Vidyapeeth is a legacy of his combined efforts with other eminent colleagues.