Baloda Bazar of Chhattisgarh has etched its name in the golden annals of the freedom struggle. In 1933, during his second visit to Chhattisgarh, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Baloda Bazar to bolster the efforts for independence. Gandhi's mission was to unite and mobilize more people in the fight for freedom and to dismantle the barriers of untouchability that divided society based on caste.
On 26 November 1933, Gandhi reached Baloda Bazar from Raipur, where various significant events, both big and small, traditionally took place in the old agricultural produce market premises. It was in this very place that Gandhi addressed a gathering, inspiring the masses towards the cause of independence and emphasizing the need to liberate the Harijans (the oppressed) and eradicate discrimination.
During his visit, Gandhi also paid a visit to the historic Mavli temple, situated in the old settlement of Baloda Bazar. He later went on to the Jagannath temple, which the townspeople now refer to as Gopal Mandir. There, he courageously entered the temple premises accompanied by some Dalits, with the intention of advocating for equal rights for both Dalits and upper-caste individuals.
Among those present alongside Gandhi were prominent freedom fighters of Baloda Bazar like Raghunath Prasad Kesarwani, Manohar Das Vaishnav, Pandit Lakshmi Prasad Tiwari, and Ramkumar Pandey. Together, they all contributed to the historic moment, working towards a more inclusive and just society during India's struggle for independence. Baloda Bazar, forever marked by Gandhi's visit and his message, stands as a testament to the quest for liberty and equality that prevailed during those times..
Source: Pankaj Singh Rajput, Contributor for CCRT