Chaudhary Tara Chand: A Legacy of Leadership, Freedom, and Social Reform
Chaudhary Tara Chand was born in 1915 in the simple, agrarian household of Bharath village, Tehsil Palampur, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. After completing his primary education, he relocated to Lohar to live with his elder brother and seek employment. During his time in Lohar, he became actively involved with the Arya Samaj Sabha, adopting its reformist principles. His commitment to Arya Samaj’s values stayed with him throughout his life, and he remained a devoted follower until his last breath.
In 1932, Chaudhary Tara Chand met Rai Sahib Chaudhary Gian Singh, a key figure in the formation of the KGBC Mahasabha. Rai Sahib once recounted how a delegation of Sikh leaders approached him, urging him to convert the Chaudhary community to Sikhism to counter the widespread discrimination and untouchability they faced. However, Rai Sahib refused, believing in preserving the community’s original identity. Instead, he registered the community with the KGBC Mahasabha, thus laying the foundation for their recognition.
Chaudhary Tara Chand’s patriotism and commitment to social justice led him to join Mahatma Gandhi’s Quit India Movement, for which he was imprisoned for a year in Sindh jail, Lohar. After India gained independence in 1947, he returned to his native village and dedicated himself to the welfare of his community.
He contested and won the position of Pradhan for the Gram Panchayat of Gaggal, serving an impressive 22 years in that role. His leadership in the local community paved the way for significant development. He joined the Indian National Congress and was later elected as the President of the Sullah Assembly Constituency Congress Committee, a position he held for ten years. Working alongside MLA Lala Kunj Bihari Lal, Chaudhary Tara Chand played a crucial role in establishing vital services for the area, including a post office, Ayurvedic dispensary, panchayat house, veterinary hospital, and a primary school. The foundation stones for many of these institutions were laid by him in collaboration with Sir Chotu Ram from Haryana.
Recognizing his contributions, the Gram Panchayat of Gaggal passed a resolution to rename the local school in his honor. The school, now a Senior Secondary School, was renamed as “Chaudhary Tara Chand Freedom Fighter Senior Secondary School Gaggal,” thanks to the efforts of the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sukhvinder Singh, and Congress President of Sullah Assembly Constituency, Sananjai Singh Chauhan.
Chaudhary Tara Chand’s vision for development extended beyond his immediate constituency. He was instrumental in the construction of the Kanfhat Road, which faced resistance from upper-caste locals who feared it would connect marginalized communities to key resources. With the support of local authorities, he ensured the road was built, which later became a vital infrastructure in the area, contributing to the growth of shops and schools.
As the Congress President of Sullah, Chaudhary Tara Chand continued his work for the upliftment of the Changar region. His dedication drew the attention of prominent leaders like the late Shri Virbhadra Singh, who visited Gaggal and supported local development initiatives, including the opening of a primary school.
A key figure in the KGBC Mahasabha, Chaudhary Tara Chand organized several community gatherings, including major events at Atiyala Dai and Praur. He maintained strong connections with influential leaders, such as Dr. Kewal Krishan and Chaudhary Hari Ram, both of whom played significant roles in advancing the cause of their community.
In 1986, he was elected Senior Vice President of the KGBC, where he continued to serve his community, working closely with leaders like Seth Haram Dass. His relentless efforts for social upliftment and his leadership were recognized at the national level when he was honored with the prestigious "Tamra Patra" by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for his contributions to India's freedom struggle.
One of the most memorable moments of his life came when Indira Gandhi visited Naura. At the time, there was no helipad, and her helicopter had to land in a nearby field. As a freedom fighter, Chaudhary Tara Chand was chosen to receive her, marking a significant moment of pride for him and the local community.
Chaudhary Tara Chand remained an active member of the Congress Party until his passing on January 14, 1994, due to a heart attack. His contributions to his community and his unwavering dedication to the nation left an indelible mark. The KGBC community and all who knew him continue to remember and honor his selfless service.
His legacy, deeply rooted in the values of freedom, equality, and social reform, continues to inspire generations.
Courtesy: Brij Lal Bhardwaj; V. P. KGBC Delhi