Babu Chabilal Upadhyaya, a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence, was born on May 12, 1882, in Budhigang village of Bishwanath Mouza in the undivided Darrang district. He was born to Kashinath Upadhyaya and Vishnumaya Devi. Due to the erosion of the Budhigang River, Chabilal and his family migrated to Gangmauthan, Majgaon, Bihali when he was just six years old.
In Majgaon, he began his education but had to discontinue formal schooling after primary education due to the lack of nearby schools. His father then hired a home tutor to teach him Sanskrit. Chabilal Upadhyaya excelled in his studies, mastering Assamese and Bengali. During this period, Bengali was the medium of instruction in schools, and Chabilal also became proficient in Hindi and Nepali.
Role in Assam's Socio-Political Landscape
Chabilal Upadhyaya's impact on Assam's socio-political environment was significant. He traveled extensively across the region, from Dhubri to Sadiya, addressing the concerns of cattle breeders and promoting the freedom struggle. He translated the news from Anand Bazar magazine into Assamese, strengthening the freedom movement within Assamese society. Known for his fearlessness and honesty, Chabilal became a towering figure in social life.
Leadership in the Non-Cooperation Movement
In 1920, under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, the Non-Cooperation Movement was launched. Babu Chabilal Upadhyaya led this movement in Assam, dedicating himself to the cause of India's independence. As the President of the Assam Association, formed in 1903, he presided over its Jorhat session. During this meeting, the Assam Association was merged into the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, marking a significant step in the region's political alignment.
Collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi
When Mahatma Gandhi visited Assam in August 1921, Chabilal Upadhyaya was the first President of the Assam Congress. He was arrested by British authorities after a meeting with Gandhi at the Polo Field in Tezpur. Despite being threatened and offered incentives to leave for Nepal, Chabilal remained steadfast in his resolve, famously declaring, “I was born in Assam, I will die in Assam. Nepal can be an independent state, but I have never seen it... Assam is my motherland... I will not leave the Congress.”
Mahatma Gandhi, impressed by Chabilal’s dedication, often had him translate his Hindi speeches into Assamese during his Assam visit. This close association with Gandhi further solidified Chabilal Upadhyaya’s standing as a key figure in the Indian independence movement.
Post-Independence Contributions
After India gained independence, Babu Chabilal Upadhyaya continued to play a crucial role in Assam’s socio-political scene. He was instrumental in addressing the state language crisis, urging Nepali-speaking Gorkhas in the region to register Assamese as their mother tongue in the census. He vehemently opposed the conspiracy to annex Assam to East Bengal, famously asserting that "32,000 Gorkha Khukuris will always be ready to sacrifice against that conspiracy."
Legacy and Social Contributions
Babu Chabilal Upadhyaya’s contributions extended beyond politics. He played a pioneering role in establishing several Assamese medium educational institutions, including Bishwanath College, to uplift society. His dedication to social service and education left an indelible mark on future generations.
Conclusion
Babu Chabilal Upadhyaya passed away on January 24, 1980, leaving behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his motherland. His life and work continue to inspire, marking him as one of the great leaders who shaped Assam's history and India's freedom struggle.
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