Prahladji Sheth
Prahladji Sheth
Shri Prahladbhai Hargovandas Patel (known as Prahladji Sheth) was an Indian farmer, businessman, politician, and freedom fighter.
Background
Originally from Sitapur village, he later settled in Becharaji. Prahladji was popularly known in the region by the honorary title Prahladji Sheth Latiwala, reflecting his role as a benefactor and pillar of the community.
Role in India’s Freedom Struggle
He responded to Mahatma Gandhi’s call and actively participated in India’s fight for independence. His commitment led him to be imprisoned in both Sabarmati and Yerawada jails. Notably, when his father passed away during his incarceration, Prahladji refused to issue an apology to the British government—a condition they had set for allowing him to perform the last rites. He insisted on national interest over personal compromises.[1]
During colonial rule, he sheltered and supported underground freedom fighters in Becharaji, playing a significant yet often unsung role in the independence movement.[2]
Post-Independence Contributions
After independence, following Sardar Patel’s directives, he was instrumental in integrating smaller princely states such as Dasada, Vanod, and Zainabad into the Indian Union.
In 1951, he joined Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan movement and generously donated 200 bighas of land to benefit the landless, earning him recognition as a true “Bhoomi Putra” (son of the soil).
Political Service
He contested and won in the first Gujarat state elections in 1962 (after the state’s formation) from the Chanasma constituency and focused on development in his region.
Legacy & Personal Virtues
He was renowned for his vision of public service. It was often said that people perceiving “Prahladbhai’s Lathi (walking stick)” felt it symbolized care and welfare for the community.[3]
His wife, Kashi Ba, was acknowledged alongside him for her civic support, drawing comparisons to Kasturba Gandhi in terms of dedication and service.
Even after his death, in a display of lifelong altruism, he made arrangements to donate his eyes—a deeply inspiring act, especially in an era when awareness about such donations was minimal.
Honors & Recognition
On India’s 75th Independence anniversary (Azadi ka Amrustav), the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, paid tribute to Prahladji’s life and legacy through a video message. He praised his selfless social service and unwavering patriotism, noting that His life exemplified the “Nation First” ethos. He played a critical role in the independence movement, as well as in post-independence social integration and development. Unfortunately, many such figures remain underrepresented in mainstream history, and their stories must be documented for future generations.[3]
References
- ↑ Tanna, Ramesh (04/04/2022). Swatantra Senani, Samaj Sevak, Praja Purush [Freedom Fighter, Social Reformer, Lok Purush] (in ગુજરાતી). Ahmedabad, India: Print Vision. Check date values in:
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- ↑ "Prahladji Seth's Life Is The Triveni Dhara Of Social Service, His Life Is The Struggle For Freedom". Divya Bhaskar. 3 વર્ષ પેહલા.
|Authors list=missing|1=(help); Check date values in:|date=(help) - ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://cmogujarat.gov.in/en/latest-news/guj-cm-releases-book-life-prahladji-seth-bahucharaji. Missing or empty
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