Babulal Rajguru | Freedom Fighter | Rajpurohit

Babulal Rajguru (1911–1962) was an Indian freedom fighter, journalist, social reformer, and the first Sarpanch (village head) of Sumerpur in Pali district, Rajasthan. Known as the "Iron Man of Sumerpur" (Sumerpur ra Loha Purush), he dedicated his life to fighting against exploitation by landlords, corrupt officials, and social injustices.

Born in 1911 in Palasia Khurd village (Jalore district) to Moti Singh Rajpurohit, a farmer, and Kadamo Devi, Babulal's childhood name was Bakhtawar Singh. Due to his helpful nature, people affectionately called him Babuji, which later became Babulal. His family belonged to the Rajpurohit Dudawat lineage, historically serving as Rajpurohit (Rajgurus) to the Chauhan dynasty.

After his uncle’s martyrdom in a cattle-protection conflict, Moti Singh migrated with his family to Korata (Shivganj) and later settled in Undari village near Sumerpur, where Babulal received basic education.

Inspired by revolutionaries like Shivram Hari Rajguru, Bhagat Singh, and Chandrashekhar Azad, Babulal joined the freedom movement. His fellow activists honored him with the title "Rajguru" after the execution of these revolutionaries, symbolizing his leadership.

He began his career by selling books in villages (1932) and later became a journalist, representing over 27 newspapers, including:

• Hindustan Times

• Navjyoti

• Rashtradoot

• Lok Sandesh

Through his writings, he exposed exploitation by landlords, corruption, and atrocities on peasants. His bold reporting often led to persecution, including imprisonment and a two-month jail term in 1939 for exposing a landlord’s crime.

• Joined the Indian National Congress in 1937 under Ramnarayan Chaudhary.

• Served as President of Sumerpur Congress (1947–1951) and Secretary of Pali District Congress Committee (1952).

• Organized protests against unjust taxes and feudal oppression.

• Founded the Sumerpur Sahitya Kula (1941), Adult Education Society (1948), and Sarvodaya Library (1949).

• Elected as Chairman of Sumerpur Cooperative Marketing Society (1958).

After Sumerpur became a Gram Panchayat, Babulal was elected its first Sarpanch in 1949 and re-elected four times unanimously. He worked tirelessly for rural development, education, and upliftment of the oppressed.

Despite his contributions, he lived in poverty. In a 1953 letter to the Chief Minister, he described his family’s hardship: living in a hut on government land, with his wife selling milk to survive.

He passed away on 19 June 1962 at age 51. Today, his birth anniversary is observed in Jodhpur and nearby villages. Known for his fearlessness, he remains a symbol of resistance against injustice in Rajasthan.

• Pali District Journalist Association Vice-President (1955).

• Close associate of Gokulbhai Bhatt (Rajasthan’s Gandhi); both were exiled from Sirohi in 1937 for anti-government protests.