During the struggle for freedom, journalism became an important tool for communication throughout India. Stories from every corner of India can now be read which helped freedom fighters devise more sophisticated plans of action. One such revolutionary hindi newspaper was the “Pratap” but who was the editor of pratap newspaper?
The founder and editor of the “Pratap” newspaper was Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi. He was a prominent journalist cum freedom fighter in our history of struggle to freedom from the British Raj.
Shocking Facts About Vidyarthi’ Life
Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi was born on 26th October, 1890 in Attarsuiya district of Allahabad (present day Prayagraj) to a very poor family. Being poor, he was not able to complete his schooling and dropped out very early. But as his life progressed he became a revolutionary journalist before he was assassinated on 25th March 1931. Here are some of the lesser-known facts about his life.
- From Clerk to Crusador: Vidyarthi began his journey quite humbly. He was a clerk and a teacher and only later he found out his calling in journalism. Through “Pratap” he became the voice of the poor and the downtrodden, showing his deep empathy towards his community.
- Thorn for British Raj: Vidyarthi was fearless in exposing injustices that peasants and workers endeared under the British Colonies. His unwavering commitment to highlight the plight of the poor people made Vidyarthi a tough obstacle to overcome by the Britishers.
- Target on his Back: As a result of Vidyarthi’s activism, he was always under the target of the British government. He was under constant surveillance and his office was raided frequently but Vidyarthi never left the path of truth and justice.
- The People’s Man: When Vidyarthi was put behind the bars for the alleged defamation case in 1926, the readers of the newspaper “Pratap” came forward to defend him. They all contributed the bail amount of Rs. 400/- and supported him.
- The Legacy Left Behind: Vidyarthi’s contribution to the struggle for Independence and his focus on social issues through “Pratap” newspaper left an enduring legacy.
- Tragic Ending: Vidyarthi was assassinated in 1931 while he was traveling on a train in 1931. He was stabbed to death by a fanatic and his sudden death sent shockwaves throughout India.
- Family of Freedom Fighters: After the death of Vidyarthi, his wife Saraswati Devi continued to run the “Pratap” news publication and showed her active participation in the freedom struggle.
These facts about the life of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi make him an important figure in the history of India. His commitment to provide social justice through the power of his news publication “Pratap” played a significant role in the freedom movement.
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