Introduction to Arjak Sangh

Arjak Sangh, a humanist, rationalist organisation, was founded by Mahamana Ramswaroop Verma. The organization emphasizes social equality and is strongly opposed to Brahminism. Mahamana Ramswaroop Verma (1923-1998) was born on August 22, 1923 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. He denied the existence of god and soul. He was strongly opposed to the doctrine of rebirth and fatalism. Mahamana Ramswaroop Verma campaigned tirelessly against Brahminism and untouchability.

Biography:

Mahamana Ramswaroop Verma came from an agriculturist family. He did his M.A. (Hindi) from Allahabad University in 1949 and Law Graduation from Agra University. In both the examinations he secured first position in the first class in the University. He qualified in the written examination of the Indian Administrative Services, but did not appear in the interview. He was of the view that an administrator has to work within limitations. He wanted to work for social change as a free citizen. He came in contact of prominent Indian democratic socialist leaders of his time such as Acharya Narendra Dev and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. Consequently, he became a member of the Socialist Party. Several times he was elected to the U.P. Assembly. In 1967, he was for some time Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh in the government headed by Charan Singh, who later became the prime minister of India.

According to Mahamana Ramswaroop Verma, political and economic equality could not be achieved without a social and cultural revolution. Consequently, he founded Arjak Sangh on June 1st, 1968 for achieving this aim. He also started 'Arjak Saptahik', a Hindi weekly. He was the chief editor of the weekly. He was also influenced and inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Vermaji was active in party politics for a long time. However, he is best known and remembered as a thinker, writer and the founder of the Arjak Sangh. He kept working for Arjak Sangh throughout his life. He kept writing articles and books and delivered many lectures for promoting humanism. Mahamana Ramswaroop Verma wrote and spoke in Hindi. He died in Lucknow on 19 August 1998.

Books by Mahamana Ramswaroop Verma:

1. Manavwadi Prashnotri (Humanist Question-Answers), Lucknow: Arjak Sangh, 1984.

2. Kranti Kyon Aur Kaise (Revolution: Why and How?), Lucknow: Arjak Sangh, 1989.

3. Manusmriti Rashtra Ka Kalank (Manusmriti a National Shame), Lucknow: Arjak Sangh, 1990.

4. Niradar Kaise Mite? (How to remove Disrespect?) Lucknow: Arjak Sangh, 1993.

5. Achooton Ki Samasya Aur Samadhan (The Problem of Untouchables and its Solution) Lucknow: Arjak Sangh, 1984.