Ramdeen Singh: Brave Freedom Fighter of Bihar (1904- 4 May 1932)

Ramdeen Singh: Brave Freedom Fighter of Bihar (1904- 4 May 1932)

Introduction

Ramdeen Singh was one of the great freedom fighters of Bihar who sacrificed everything for the independence of India. He was born in 1904 in Malkhachak village** of Dighwara block of Saran district in a farmer Kshatriya family. However, the exact date and month of his birth could not be confirmed.

 Contribution in the freedom struggle

In 1921, when the freedom movement was gaining momentum in India, Ramdeen Singh also took an active part in it. Malkhachak village at that time remained a refuge for the leaders of the moderate and extremist party as Gandhi Kutir. In 1923, when Sardar Bhagat Singh came with his companions to propagate the ideology of Hindustan Republican Association, Ramdeen Singh was influenced by them.  According to late freedom fighter Lalsa Singh, Bhagat Singh and Ramdeni Singh even wrestled in which Bhagat Singh praised his bravery and appointed him as the commander of Saran region. Revolutionary activities Ramdeni Singh was deeply influenced by events like Lahore Conspiracy, Chauri Chaura incident and Kakori Conspiracy. He along with his friend and Vaishali region commander Yogendra Shukla planned to collect money so that the militant nationalist ideology could be strengthened. In this sequence, they robbed a train at Hajipur railway station in which the guard and station master were killed and the treasury was looted. When they were about to cross the Hajipur bridge and enter Saran border with this money, Saran and Vaishali police surrounded them. To avoid arrest, Ramdeni Singh and his companions jumped into the Gandak river along with their bicycles and swam to Patna Sahib Ghat. 

 *Arrest and Sacrifice*

The British government had announced a reward for the arrest of Ramdeen Singh. Due to the tip-off of a traitor villager, he was trapped and captured while taking a bath in the Ganga. Following this, a special court was constituted in Muzaffarpur jail. As expected, the court sentenced Ramdeen Singh to death and hanged him on May 4, 1932 without giving him an opportunity to appeal. Thus, Ramdeen Singh became the first freedom fighter from Bihar to be hanged. 

Legacy and remembrance

Ramdeen Singh's sacrifice did not go in vain. His patriotism and courage inspired countless people to participate in the freedom struggle. Even today, he is remembered as a great martyr and freedom fighter in Bihar and across the country.  His birthplace Malkhachak village still sings the tale of his valour and sacrifice. However, it is ironic that no special effort has been made to keep his memory alive.

 Conclusion

 Ramdeni Singh's life is a symbol of sacrifice, courage and patriotism. He fought for India's independence by sacrificing his life. His sacrifice teaches us that the price of freedom is very high, and we must always be ready to maintain it.