Dr. Ratnappa Bharamappa Kumbhar - Freedom Fighter

 Ratnappa Kumbhar

Dr. Ratnappa Bharamappa Kumbhar, fondly known as Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbhar (Patriot Ratnappa Kumbhar), was a prominent Indian independence activist, politician, social reformer, educationist, and co-operative leader from Maharashtra. Born into a modest Lingayat family of potters, he rose to become one of the unsung heroes of India's freedom struggle, a signatory to the Constitution, and a key figure in post-independence nation-building. His life exemplified dedication to social justice, anti-feudal agitation, and cooperative movements that uplifted rural economies. Over his nearly nine-decade-long journey, Kumbhar bridged the fight against colonial and princely oppression with efforts to foster industrial and agricultural growth in his region.

Early Life and Education

Ratnappa Kumbhar was born on September 15, 1909, in Nimshirgaon village, Shirol tehsil, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra (near Ichalkaranji, where he later became deeply associated). He hailed from a traditional Lingayat pottery-making family, which instilled in him values of hard work and community service. From a young age, Kumbhar displayed a sharp intellect and a passion for social and political issues. He pursued education amid limited resources, eventually earning a doctorate (Dr.), though details of his formal schooling remain sparse in records—likely completed in local institutions in Kolhapur. His early exposure to the socio-economic disparities under princely rule in the Kolhapur State fueled his resolve to challenge feudal authority and colonial dominance.

Involvement in the Indian Independence Movement

Kumbhar's entry into the freedom struggle was marked by his bold opposition to the autocratic princely states, which he viewed as extensions of British indirect rule. In the 1930s, he joined the Praja Parishad (People's Council), a movement advocating for democratic reforms and the merger of princely states into a united India. Alongside fellow activists Madhavrao Bagal and Dinakara Desai, he mobilized villagers in Shirol and Hatkanangle tehsils against exploitative rulers, organizing protests for civil liberties, land rights, and responsible government.

A pivotal moment came on August 7, 1939 (some sources cite July 8), when Kumbhar, Bagal, Desai, and others were arrested by the Kolhapur State police for their agitational activities. They were tried, fined, and briefly imprisoned, but this only strengthened their resolve. Kumbhar's activism intensified during the Quit India Movement of 1942, where he played a frontline role in disrupting British administration and princely control. To evade capture, he went underground for approximately six years, operating from hidden bases while coordinating sabotage efforts, distributing anti-colonial literature, and rallying support for the Indian National Congress.

His relentless efforts earned him the enduring title Deshbhakt (Patriot), reflecting his unwavering commitment. Kumbhar's work focused on grassroots mobilization in rural Maharashtra, emphasizing non-violent satyagraha alongside direct action against zamindari systems. By the late 1940s, he was at the forefront of the Praja Mandal movements pushing for the dissolution of princely states, contributing to the integration of over 500 such entities into independent India.

Role in Framing the Constitution

In recognition of his sacrifices, Kumbhar was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946. As a member of the drafting committee, he actively participated in debates on fundamental rights, social justice, and federalism. On November 26, 1949, he stood alongside Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to sign the final draft of the Indian Constitution, a historic moment symbolizing the transition from colonial subjugation to democratic sovereignty. His inputs particularly influenced provisions on cooperative societies and rural development, drawing from his experiences in anti-feudal struggles.

Post-Independence Activities and Political Career

After India's independence in 1947, Kumbhar seamlessly transitioned from revolutionary to nation-builder. In 1952, he was elected to the First Lok Sabha (Parliament) from the Kolhapur-cum-Satara constituency as an Indian National Congress candidate, serving until 1957. He used his platform to advocate for agricultural reforms and industrial growth in western Maharashtra.

Returning to state politics, Kumbhar won elections to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Shirol constituency multiple times: 1962–1967, 1967–1972, 1972–1978, 1978–1982, and 1990–1998. From 1974 to 1978, under Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, he served as Minister of State for Home, Food, and Civil Supplies. In this role, he streamlined ration distribution during shortages, strengthened law enforcement in rural areas, and promoted food security initiatives. His tenure also saw investments in infrastructure, transforming Shirol and Hatkanangle into prosperous hubs for sugarcane farming and textiles.

Kumbhar was a staunch proponent of the cooperative movement, viewing it as a tool for economic empowerment. He founded and led several institutions, including:

• Panchaganga Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. (sugar factory) in Ichalkaranji, boosting local employment.
• Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd., providing credit to small farmers.
• Kolhapur Zilla Sahakari Shetakari Vinkari Soot Girani Ltd. (spinning mill cooperative).
• Janata Central Co-operative Consumer Stores Ltd., ensuring affordable goods for the masses.

These ventures not only generated jobs but also democratized wealth, earning him the honorific Sahakar Maharshi (Sage of Cooperatives). He also established a sugar mill in Ichalkaranji, catalyzing industrial growth in the region.

As a social reformer, Kumbhar championed education and women's rights, founding schools and advocating for Scheduled Castes and backward classes. He served on the Maharashtra Legislative Council and remained active in Congress politics until his later years.

Awards and Honors

In 1985, the Government of India conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award on Kumbhar for his contributions to social work and public affairs. This was a testament to his lifelong service, from freedom fighting to cooperative leadership. He was also revered locally as a Deshbhakt for his patriotic fervor.

Death and Legacy

Ratnappa Kumbhar passed away on December 23, 1998, in Kolhapur at the age of 89, succumbing to a heart attack. His funeral was attended by thousands, including political leaders, reflecting his widespread respect.

Kumbhar's legacy endures through institutions bearing his name:

• Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbhar College of Commerce and Economics in Kolhapur, established to promote higher education in commerce and management.
• Deshbhakta Ratnappa Kumbhar Vidyalaya, a secondary school in Kamptee, Nagpur district, Maharashtra.

Today, he is remembered as a symbol of selfless patriotism and rural empowerment. Streets, memorials, and annual commemorations in Kolhapur honor his role in weaving the threads of freedom, democracy, and development. While not as globally renowned as figures like Gandhi or Ambedkar, Kumbhar's story highlights the vital contributions of regional leaders in India's multifaceted independence narrative.