Who was the politician and social worker popularly called “Sindhi Gandhi” in the Sindh region, and was elected to the 1st legislative assembly of part ‘C’ state of Himachal Pradesh (1952-56)?
(A) Krishna Nand Swami
(B) Pt. Padam Dev
(C) Gauri Parsad
(D) Piru Ram
The correct answer is (A) Krishna Nand Swami.
Explanation
Krishna Nand Swami is the historical figure who fits both descriptions given in the question.
- “Sindhi Gandhi”: He was a politician and social worker who dedicated his life to Gandhian principles. He worked extensively for the welfare and rehabilitation of refugees who had migrated from the Sindh province (now in Pakistan) after the Partition of India. For his selfless service to this community, he was popularly and affectionately called “Sindhi Gandhi”.
- Elected to HP Assembly: He was also an active politician and was successfully elected from the Sundernagar constituency to the first legislative assembly of the Part ‘C’ state of Himachal Pradesh, which served from 1952 to 1956.
Analysis of Other Options
- (B) Pt. Padam Dev (Incorrect): He was a very prominent freedom fighter and a key leader in the Praja Mandal movement, often called “Kaviraj.” While he was an important member of the first HP assembly (elected from Rohru), he was not known by the title “Sindhi Gandhi.”
- (C) Gauri Parsad (Incorrect): He was also a member of the first HP assembly, elected from the Chamba-Churah constituency. However, he is not the person associated with the “Sindhi Gandhi” moniker.
- (D) Piru Ram (Incorrect): He was another member of the 1952 assembly, representing the Paonta constituency. He is not the person known as “Sindhi Gandhi.”
Other Important Leaders of Early Himachal Pradesh
👑 Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar
- Widely regarded as the “Architect of Himachal Pradesh,” he was the state’s first Chief Minister and played the most crucial role in its formation and integration.
🕊️ Pt. Padam Dev
- A prominent freedom fighter from the Rohru region, he was a key leader in the Praja Mandal movement and served as the first Home Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
🤝 Shivanand Ramaul
- A major leader from the Sirmaur region, he was instrumental in the Praja Mandal movements that fought against princely rule and worked for the integration of the hill states into India.
Popular Names of Personalities
| Sr.No. | Popular Name | Personality |
| 1 | Sindhi Gandhi | Krishna Nand Swami |
| 2 | Pahari Gandhi | Baba Kashi Ram |
| 3 | Paharan-Da-Bulbul | Baba Kanshi Ram |
| 4 | Pahari Frontier Gandhi | Bhajju Mal |
| 5 | Kaviraj | Pt.Padam Dev |
| 6 | Architect of Himachal | Dr. Y.S. Parmar |
| 7 | Maharishi | Nicholas Roerich |
| 8 | Sardar-I-Jung | Major Mehar Dass |
| 9 | Tagma-I-Shtrunash | Capt. Bakshi Partap Singh |
| 10 | Sher-I-Hind | Sh Hari Singh |
| 11 | Baggi | Bakshi Satya Parkash |
| 12 | Choota Raja | General Zorawar Singh |