The Aryavarth Express
Dehradun (Uttarakhand):
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday remembered former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary, honouring his lifelong dedication to the welfare, dignity and empowerment of farmers.
Extending greetings on National Farmers’ Day, CM Dhami said Chaudhary Charan Singh devoted his entire life to protecting farmers’ rights and placing agriculture and rural development at the heart of national policy-making.
“On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and ‘Bharat Ratna’ Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, the fearless and empowered voice of farmers, I offer countless salutations. He worked throughout his life to ensure the rights, dignity and empowerment of our food providers by keeping agriculture and rural India central to governance,” the Chief Minister said.
Dhami also conveyed his wishes to farmers across the country on the occasion and reaffirmed the Uttarakhand government’s commitment to their welfare. “Heartfelt greetings to all farmers on National Farmers’ Day. Our government remains committed to their welfare, respect and empowerment,” he added.
December 23 is observed nationwide as Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers’ Day, to acknowledge the vital contribution of farmers to India’s economy and society. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, widely regarded as a champion of farmers’ rights and rural upliftment.
Several political leaders across the country also paid tribute to the late leader. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan remembered Chaudhary Charan Singh as a leader deeply devoted to farmers’ welfare, saying his ideas continue to guide India’s journey towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.
“On the birth anniversary of the messiah of farmers and former Prime Minister, ‘Bharat Ratna’ Chaudhary Charan Singh ji, millions of salutations. His thoughts remain relevant in building a developed and self-reliant India, and his life dedicated to farmers and rural development will continue to inspire the nation,” Chauhan said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also paid homage, noting Chaudhary Charan Singh’s role in shaping India’s agrarian policies and strengthening the rural economy. “His commitment to justice, equality and farmers’ empowerment continues to inspire those working for India’s heartland,” he said.
Born on December 23, 1902, Chaudhary Charan Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from July 1979 to January 1980. During his political career, he held several key positions, including Minister for Home and Agriculture and later Minister for Agriculture and Forests. Among his major contributions were the Redemption Bill of 1939, which provided relief to rural debtors, and the Land Holding Act of 1960, aimed at reducing land ceilings and promoting equitable land distribution in Uttar Pradesh.
