Biography of Har Dayal
Lala Har Dayal (14 October 1884 – 4 March 1939) was a prominent Indian nationalist, scholar, and revolutionary who played a significant role in the early 20th-century Indian independence movement. He was a fervent advocate for India’s freedom from British colonial rule and made significant contributions to the cause of Indian nationalism. Here’s an overview of his life and contributions:
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| Biography of Har Dayal |
Early Life and Education:
Har Dayal was born in Delhi, India, into a well-educated and prosperous family. He studied at Government College in Lahore (now in Pakistan) and later went to England for higher education. He attended Oxford University, where he was influenced by Western political thought and developed a deep passion for the cause of Indian freedom.
Political Activism of Har Dayal :
Upon returning to India, Har Dayal became actively involved in the freedom struggle. He was associated with the Ghadar Party, a revolutionary organization founded by Indian expatriates in the United States and Canada. The party aimed to liberate India from British rule through armed struggle.
In 1911, Har Dayal moved to the United States, where he continued his activism and played a significant role in mobilizing support for India’s independence among Indian communities abroad. He established the “India House” in New York City, which became a hub for Indian students and nationalists. Several prominent Indian freedom fighters, including Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, were associated with the India House.
Har Dayal in Ghadar Party
Ghadar Party was established on June 25, 1913. The party was born in San Francisco’s Astoria, with the aim of overthrowing the English empire. Ghadar Party founder president Sohan Singh Bhakna was. Apart from this, Kesar Singh Thathgarh (Vice President), Lala Har Dayal (General Secretary), Lala Thakurdas Dhuri (Joint Secretary) and Pandit Kanshiram Madroli (Treasurer). On the basis of a letter called ‘Gadar’, the party’s name was also named ‘Ghadar Party’. The ‘Ghadar’ letter brought the attention of the world toward the atrocities committed by the British in India. Branches of new party were opened in Canada, China, Japan etc. Lala Har Dayal was its general secretary.
Har Dayal’s Later Life and Legacy:
In later years, Har Dayal focused on academic pursuits and comparative religion. He earned a doctorate in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and authored several books and essays on religious and philosophical topics.
Some famous books of Har Dayal
Our Educational Problems (1922)
Social wins of Hindu races
44 months of Germany and Turkey
Thinking / Thinking on Education (1969)
Toxin in Elixir (1922)
Glimpses of world religions
Writing of Lala Hardyal (1920)
Independent Thoughts of Lala Hardayalji (1922)
Indications of self-culture (1934)
Bodhisattva Theory (1970)
Har Dayal’s contributions to the Indian independence movement and his role as a revolutionary thinker are remembered and celebrated in India’s history. His early advocacy for Indian independence and his efforts to mobilize support among Indian communities abroad made him a pioneering figure in the fight against British colonial rule. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians and those who fight for the principles of justice, freedom, and self-determination.