Sovereign Celebration of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati's Death Anniversary at Company Bagh

Sovereign Celebration of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati's Death Anniversary at Company Bagh

The historic Company Bagh complex in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, once again became a witness to glorious historical memories. The death anniversary of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati—the pioneer of the organized Indian peasant movement, an indomitable freedom fighter, and the 'rebel ascetic'—was observed with grand celebrations and dignity across the district.

The grand memorial meeting and seminar witnessed a massive gathering of political leaders, social activists, intellectuals, peasant representatives, and youth. The crowd paid rich tributes by garlanding the portrait of Swami Ji and remembered his unparalleled contribution to the nation's rebuilding.

 Land of Revolution: Brainstorming of Ideas at Company Bagh

The ceremony commenced with the chanting of Vedic hymns and a collective offering of flowers at Swami Ji's portrait. As speakers took the stage at Company Bagh, the atmosphere resonated with the energy of Swami Ji’s ideologies.

Addressing the gathering, the keynote speaker remarked:

"Swami Sahajanand Saraswati cannot be confined within the boundaries of any single caste, class, or region. He was the true messiah of the exploited, deprived, and voiceless farmers of the country. He firmly believed that the real salvation of society is impossible until the farmers who toil in the fields get their rightful due."

 Core Principles of Swami Ji: 'Bread is God'

During the seminar, speakers highlighted the revolutionary ideas of Swami Ji that altered the course of Indian society and politics:

 Confluence of Asceticism and Service: Despite being a Dandi Sanyasi (ascetic), Swami Ji chose fields and barns as his battleground instead of confining himself to temple walls. He clearly stated that for a starving human being, 'bread is the real God'.

 Clarion Call Against Casteism: He proved that fighting oppression is one's true duty, even if the oppressor belongs to one's own caste. He raised his baton against the tyranny of powerful landlords of his own community in Bihar to shield poor farmers.

 History at a Glance: The Journey from Naurang Rai to Swami Sahajanand

 The Bihar Connection and the Rise of the Peasant Movement

Bihar was the primary epicenter of Swami Ji's activities. He founded the 'Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha' in 1929, which later grew into the largest peasant organization in the country.

During the devastating Bihar earthquake of 1934, when landlords were forcibly collecting land revenue (Lagan) from ruined farmers, Swami Ji’s fury erupted. He raised the thunderous slogan— "How will you collect land revenue? Our batons are alive and ready!" This single slogan ignited a sense of self-respect among farmers across the nation.

 Modern Context: The Relevancy of Swami Ji’s Ideas Today

Intellectuals at the Company Bagh assembly expressed deep concern over the current agricultural crisis and the plight of farmers. Speakers pointed out that decades have passed since Swami Ji's demise, yet the country's farmers are still forced to commit suicide due to debt, lack of fair crop pricing, and the vagaries of weather.

The following key demands were unanimously raised for the government's consideration:

 Industry Status for Agriculture: Formulate concrete policies aligned with Swami Ji’s vision to double farmers' income.

 Biography in Curriculum: Integrate Swami Ji's life story into school and college curriculums to introduce the younger generation to his struggles and sacrifices.

 National Recognition: Rename major agricultural universities or research centers in the country after Swami Sahajanand Saraswati.

 A Deep Bond with Muzaffarpur Until His Last Breath

Historians emotionally recalled that the land of Muzaffarpur shares the deepest and final bond with Swami Ji. It was right here in Muzaffarpur that he took his last breath on June 26, 1950. Mourning his demise, the national poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar wrote— "Today, the true ascetic of the oppressed and the farmers has departed." This is why celebrating his anniversary at Company Bagh is a matter of historical and moral duty for every resident of Muzaffarpur.

 Key Highlights of the Event (At a Glance)

Venue: Company Bagh Complex, Muzaffarpur City.

Atmosphere: Resonating with patriotic songs and slogans of 'Long Live Swami Ji'.

Resolution: To rise above caste barriers and continue the struggle for the rights of farmers and laborers.

 Concluding the event, the organizers expressed their gratitude, stating that a true tribute to Swami Ji does not mean merely putting garlands on his portrait, but deeply adopting his principles in life. The historic and grand ceremony concluded with the collective singing of the National Anthem in a peaceful and determined environment.