Suganchand Chunilal Lunawat was born in 1914 at Dhamangaon Railway Station in Amravati District. He was a valiant freedom fighter deeply committed to India's struggle for independence. Alongside stalwarts like Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi, he fervently championed the cause of freedom. His comrades included Ambadas Bhende, Babasaheb Andurkar, Amar Singh Thakur, Narayan Ingle, Gulabrao Zade, and many others, all united in their patriotic fervour.
During a severe drought in Maharashtra, Lokmanya Tilak galvanized farmers, empowering them to assert their rights. In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi's salt Satyagraha further ignited the flame of resistance, drawing in Suganchand among its dedicated participants. In 1934, upon the insistence of Jamnalal Bajaj and his allies, Gandhi visited Sevagram, advocating for societal duties through his newspaper, Kesari.
The British government's exploitative 'Famine Insurance Fund' ed vehement protests. Tilak, alongside Suganchand, embarked on a seven-day tour, enlightening farmers about their entitlements. Suganchand's unwavering commitment led him to undertake personal Satyagraha in 1939, resulting in his imprisonment for eighteen months in Amravati jail.
The spirit of freedom fighters from Dhamangaon taluka in 1941 remains etched in memory. Countless patriots made supreme sacrifices, igniting a nationwide fervor for freedom. Dhamangaon, inspired by the clarion call of 'victory or death,' stood resolute. In 1941, Suganchand fearlessly confronted the British authorities alongside Mahatma Gandhi, enduring a six-month incarceration in Nagpur jail. After release, he engaged in social activities.
‘Swatantra Sainik Charitra Kosh’ Vidarbha Zone Maharashtra State Gazetteers
Source: Shivaji Govindrao Mhaske, Contributor for CCRT.