Basantlal Murarka

A man of wide knowledge, sound judgement and magnificent devotion Mr.Basantlal M is a social reformer of proved ability. His career is riddled with memorable events.

He was born at Mukundgarh and was educated at the Vashudanath Saraswati Vidyalaya, Calcutta. In 1913 he assisted Mr. G.D Birla in starting the Marwari Association. He is one of the pillars of the All India Marwari Mahasabha and as the secretary of the Bengal Branch of that institution.

In 1919 he participated in the Non Cooperation movement and was the secretary of the Burra Bazaar Congress Committee. In 1920 he was arrested and sentenced to one and half year's imprisonment. In 1925 he was elected the General Secretary of the All India Marwari Mahasabha.

Mr.Basantilal is a radical reformer. He is a staunch supporter of Widow Marriage. He had o pay a heavy toll for his ultra radical ideas. The conservative sections outcaste him. To fight the dark forces of superstition he started the All India Rajasthan Nava Jivan Mandal. He was its elected Secretary. In 1930 he became the Secretary of the Burra Bazaar Civil Disobedience Committee. He was imprisoned for a year for participating in the C.D Movement. In 1933 he was kept as a detune but was subsequently released. Again he was arrested and sentenced to six months imprisoned. He has pursued his political activities with surprising enthusiasm

His humanitarian instinct has never forsaken him. For the welfare of the Harijans he has devoted himself without stinct, with no thought and with too little regard for his health he is the Secretary of the Dalit Harijan Society he reorganized 22 schools. In 1934 he presided over the All India Marvari Congress held at Gaya.

He is a gem of social reformers. He has awakened the Marwari Community to the consciousness of its own unrighted wrongs. He has started the Widow remarriage Society. He is widely known and highly esteemed as a merchant. He is a member of the A.I.C.C and a force in Bengal politics. He was the joint Secretary of Subhash Congress Fund. He is also the secretary of the Rajputana Harijan Sevak Sangh.

His masculine judgement, his flexible capacity and unfailing patriotism have secured Mr. Basantlal the genuine regard of the people. His record of work cannot be easily forgotten. His career affords a stimulating example, of life usefully spent and troubles manfully faced.

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Basantlal Murakra