Hanuman Prasad Poddar
Pujya Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar (Pujya Shri Bhai ji) | |
|---|---|
1992 stamp of Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar | |
| Born | Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar 18 September 1892 |
| Died | 26 March 1971 (aged 78) Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Pen name | Pujya Shri Bhaiji |
| Occupation | Author, Journalist |
| Language | Hindi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Subject | Bhakti, Devotion, Love for God and Life of God and God's Devotees, Bhakts and Saints |
| Years active | 1923–1971 |
Pujya Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar (18 September 1892 – 22 March 1971)[1] was an Indian Bhakt, Devotee, independence activist, littérateur, magazine editor and philanthropist. He was the founding editor of the spiritual magazine, Kalyan which was published by Gita Press setup by Pujya Shri Ghanshyam ji Jalan and Pujya Shri Jay Dayal ji Goeyendka. His work in fostering pride among the people regarding India's history and philosophic tradition earned him praise from M.K. Gandhi. He was affectionally called "Bhai Ji" or "Lovingly Brother". The Government of India issued a postage stamp in his memory in 1992.[2]
Early life
Pujya Shri Hanuman Prasad ji Poddar was born in Ratangarh in Rajasthan, India. He spent a considerable time in Ratangarh in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan into a Marwadi Agrawal Bania trading family.
Gita Press and Kalyan
The publishing house of Gita Press was founded by Poddar. It rose in popularity due to its affordability and accurate translations of Hindu texts, alongside commentaries by the translator or author. His publishing house also started the monthly Kalyan magazine that contained treatise on the Ramayana and Puranas. The main aim of Gita Press was to promote the principles of 'Sanatan Dharma'. Gita Press archives contain over 3,500 manuscripts including over 100 interpretations of the Bhagwad Gita.[3][4]
Relations with Gandhi
Poddar and M.K. Gandhi fostered a close relationship in the early years of the struggle for Independence. In a 1935 letter, Gandhi even expressed great satisfaction at his views. Poddar became heavily involved in Congress party activities, participating in protests, getting arrested and attending Congress sessions.[5][6]
However, their relationship began to sour in 1932, when Gandhi began a fast unto death advocating temple entry rights for untouchables. Gandhi's fast prompted the public to support him by opening temples to untouchables and organizing inter-caste dining events. Poddar made his displeasure known to Gandhi through a series of letters, arguing that untouchability and the four-fold varna system were integral parts of Hinduism. He urged Gandhi to put an end to the anti-caste struggle amongst his supporters. Gandhi responded by refuting Poddar's views and expressed the belief that the followers of sanatan dharma were to blame for social ailments like untouchability.[7]
Alleged Involvement in Gandhi's Assassination
Poddar began to distance himself from the Congress movement after falling out with Gandhi. Instead he began to move closer to organizations like the Hindu Mahasabha and RSS. He was among the key organizers of the Mahasabha’s annual convention in Gorakhpur in 1946.
On 30th January 1948, Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi's Birla House by Nathuram Godse who was associated with the Hindu Mahasabha and RSS. Poddar's associations with these organizations coupled with his strong criticisms on Gandhi through his magazine Kalyan, made him a suspect in Gandhi's assassination. Following Gandhi's assassination, 25,000 people throughout the country were arrested.[7][8][9]
References
- ^ "हनुमान प्रसाद पोद्दार – भारतकोश, ज्ञान का हिन्दी महासागर". amp.bharatdiscovery.org. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "अंग्रेजों के दबाव में नहीं आए थे 'भाई जी', गोरखपुर आने पर पंडित नेहरू को दी थी अपनी कार".
- ^ Chandra, Raghav (29 June 2023). "Gandhi Peace Prize a befitting tribute to the legacy of Hanuman Prasad Poddar". Hindustan Times.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ B, Sreelakshmi (19 June 2023). "Gita Press: All you need to know about the 100-year-old publisher". Hindustan Times.
- ^ Mukul, Akshay (2015). Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India. HarperCollins. pp. 54–55.
- ^ Mukul, Akshay (2015). Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India. HarperCollins. pp. 55–59.
- ^ a b Mukul, Akshay (2015). Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India. HarperCollins. pp. 55–59.
- ^ Vincent, Pheroze (19 June 2023). "Gita Press, allegedly silent on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, to get Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021". The Telegraph India.
- ^ Mukul, Akshay (19 June 2023). "After Gandhi's Assassination, Why No Mention of Him in February, March 1948 Issues of Kalyan?".
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)