Ratnappa Kumbhar facts for kids
Dr. Ratnappa Bharamappa Kumbhar (born September 15, 1909 – died December 23, 1998) was a brave Indian independence activist. People also called him Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbhar, which means "Patriot Ratnappa Kumbhar". He came from Ichalkaranji and played a big part in India's fight for freedom.
Dr. Kumbhar was one of the important people who signed the final draft of the Constitution of India. He signed it along with B. R. Ambedkar. In 1985, he received the Padma Shri award for his social work. He also served as a Member of Parliament and a Minister in the Maharashtra Government.
About His Life
Dr. Ratnappa Kumbhar was born in a potter family. His village was Nimshirgaon, located in the Shirol area.
Fighting for Freedom
When he was young, Ratnappa Kumbhar was very interested in helping his community. He worked to bring people together against the local kings, known as princely state rulers. He did this with Madhavrao Bagal and Dinakara Desai.
On July 8, 1939, he and Desai were arrested. The rulers of Kolhapur State arrested and fined Kumbhar, Bagal, and Desai. He was very active in the freedom movement. He even had to hide for about six years to avoid being caught.
He was a leader in the movement to end the rule of these princely states. Because he worked so hard for India's freedom, people called him "Deshbhakt" (Patriot) Ratnappa Kumbhar.
Becoming a Leader
After India became independent, Ratnappa Kumbhar joined the group that wrote the Indian Constitution. In 1952, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He helped start a sugar factory in Ichalkaranji.
From 1962 to 1982, and again from 1990 until he passed away, he served as an MLA. An MLA is a Member of the Legislative Assembly. He represented the Shirol area. From 1974 to 1978, he was a Minister. He was in charge of home affairs and food supplies. He helped bring jobs and growth to the Shirol and Hatkanangle areas of Kolhapur.
Helping People Work Together
Ratnappa Kumbhar also started and ran many successful cooperative groups. These groups helped people work together to achieve common goals. Some of them include:
- Panchaganga Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. in Ichalkaranji. This was a sugar factory run by farmers.
- Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd. This bank helped local people.
- The Kolhapur Zilla Sahakari Shetakari Vinkari Soot Girani Ltd. This was a cooperative for farmers and weavers.
- The Janata Central co-operative consumer stores Ltd. This store helped consumers get goods.
Dr. Ratnappa Kumbhar passed away on December 23, 1998, when he was 89 years old. A college in Kolhapur, the Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbhar College of Commerce, is named after him. Also, a school in Kamptee district, Nagpur, is named Deshbhakta Ratnappa Kumbhar Vidyalaya.
