Dr. Satyapal: The Hero of Freedom Movement in the Punjab by Shailja Goyal
(pp. viii + 271, Rs. 485, 2004)
Recent years have been an emergence of regional histories. These studies are on the one hand the outcome of a realization that in order to understand the ‘national culture’, regional studies are imminent and on the other hand it is a vehement self-assertion of regional academicians to reclaim and reinvent, what has been ignored by elitist historiography. The history of Indian independence is replete with examples of unsung saga of regional heroes. Punjab produced many such heroes and Dr. Satyapal was one of them.
The book under review is a life sketch of Dr. Satyapal who played an important role in the history of Punjab. Satyapal was born on 11th May 1885 in a Khatri family at wazirabad (Pakistan). He graduated in 1902 from F.C. College Lahore and got his M.B. degree from King Edward Medical College Lahore in 1908. Shialja reflects on how, in the backdrop of liberal atmosphere created by socio-religions reform, Satyapal felt on emergent necessity to forge Hindu-Muslim unit in India and joined hands with Saifuddin Kitchlew.
Satyapal became actively involved in Punjab politics in 1918 when Michael O’Dwyer restricted the issue of platform and third class tickets to Indians in Amritsar on the contention of regulating and easing traffic at the railway station. With Kitchlew, he spearheaded the Rowlatt Act agitation and was hailed as the hero of Jallianwala Bagh. One of the most important events of his life was his trial in Amritsar Leader’s Conspiracy case. Shailja has presented vivid accounts of the trial to show the manner in which imperial oppression operated. “Satyapal had no idea as to why he was being detained without even being made aware of the charges on which he was to be tried”.
Satyapal led the Non-cooperation Movement (NCM) His support to the Gurdwara reform movement, which too was inspired by non-violent principles, brought Sikhs closer to the movement and gave impetus to NCM in Punjab. He became the vehement critic of Simon Commission and active participant in Civil Disobedience Movement. Later he became the Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly.
He was one of the prime motivators of the Congress. He was its secretary from 1922 to 1927 and 1929 to 1933. He acted as its President from 1934-1938. He was also the member of the Working Committee of All India National Congress in 1920’s and 1930’s.
Shailja has reflected on the strength and weaknesses of Satyapal. She believes that he was a true Gandhian. He stopped the people from getting violent even when Lala Lajpat Rai was hit by a lathi and he faced the blows while protecting him. The Satyagrahis remained disciplined and the freedom struggle was realistically under the direction of his leadership. During his tenure as the Speaker of Punjab Assembly he said, “I can never by an act of omission or commission let the dignity of this House suffer or its prestige lowered.”
Satyapal’s weaknesses are reflected in the factionalism that infected Punjab Congress during 1930’s. He was at loggerheads with Gopi Chand Bhargava on one or other issue. At times he could not rise above his personal ambitions. Besides this, he was a writer, an orator and strong believer of secular values.
This book is a valuable reading to understand the life and times of Satyapal. Shailja has used impressive historical accounts to trace his ‘historical biography’. It is in its true sense a biographical work since it revolves around the life of Satyapal. It also reflects upon the freedom struggle in Punjab and shows how through his leadership the movement in Punjab kept pace with the mainstream struggle for independence.
December 2004
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