Kisan Diwas 2022: Who Is Chaudhary Charan Singh?

Kisan diwas is celebrated every year on December 23 with great zeal and fervor across India to honors and praise the farmers, who are the backbone of our economy.

National Farmer’s Day is a day that commemorates the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a great farmer leader and former Prime Minister of India.

Who was Chaudhary Charan Singh

Chaudhary Charan Singh, the great farmer leader, was the 5th Prime Minister of India who served the nation for a very short period i.e. from 28th July 1979, to 14th January 1980. He fought & stood for farmer issues as well as their rights. Carrying Chotu Ram’s (farmer leader) legacy forward, he established the Kisan Trust on his 76th birthday - 23rd December  1978, to create awareness of farmers issues among the rural population.

Born in a farmer family, Chaudhary Charan Singh rose to the position of state Chief Minister later went on to become the Union Home Minister, Finance Minister, Deputy PM and finally country's Prime Minister.

Contributions of Chaudhary Charan Singh

Kisan Divas is the perfect day to remember two of his most significant contributions for the nation - first, in opposition to Jawaharlal Nehru & P.C. Mahalanobis – 1st head of the Planning Commission, Chaudhary Charan Singh attempted to articulate an alternative model of development for the country which was inspired by Gandhi & was a reflection of his own peasant origin and second, he brought farmers issues into India’s electoral politics during 1960s & 1970s.

Chaudhary Charan Singh made his identity as a farmer, the principle axis of his politics rather than his caste. He always tried to empower the peasantry in different ways & at different levels throughout his life.

Chaudhary Singh wrote many books on farmers and their problems portraying various solutions to improve their livelihood. He also introduced several many & initiatives in favor of farmers in the 1979 budget that was presented by him. He also introduced and enacted the Zamindari Abolition Act for them.

Happy Farmers Day!!! A Big Salute to You for all Your hard work and Contributions!!