1912-1979 · Uttar Pradesh

Babu Mohanlal Verma

Freedom fighter and political leader remembered for his role in the Indian independence movement, his legislative service in Uttar Pradesh, and his work for education, health care, farmer leadership, and public welfare.

Timeline Public Work

Portrait of Babu Mohanlal Verma — Freedom fighter Babu Mohanlal Verma

Born 12 October 1912 Raebareli, United Provinces

Movement Indian Independence Civil Disobedience and Quit India

Public Roles MLC and MLA Uttar Pradesh public life

Died 9 January 1979 Aged 66

Early Life

Life shaped by hardship, responsibility and love for the nation

Babu Mohanlal Verma was born on 12 October 1912 in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. He was son of Prayag Datt Verma, a prosperous landowner and business man, and Raj Rani Verma. A few years after his birth, the family moved to Hardoi in search of new opportunities and a better future.

However, tragedy struck the family soon after their relocation when young Mohan Lal’s father passed away. At the time, prevailing social customs placed severe restrictions on women, preventing them from independently managing property or business affairs outside the home. As a result, the family suffered significant financial losses and many of their assets were lost.

Despite these hardships, young Mohan Lal displayed remarkable responsibility and resilience from an early age. He stood by his mother during these difficult times and contributed in every way he could to support the family. These early experiences shaped his character, instilling in him a strong sense of duty, perseverance, and compassion that would later define his role in India’s freedom struggle.

Freedom Struggle

Courage and sacrifice in India’s fight for freedom.

From an early age, Babu Mohanlal Verma became deeply aware of India’s struggle under British colonial rule. Determined to contribute to the nation’s freedom, he left home while studying in the 9th grade to join the independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. His family feared for his safety, fully aware of the harsh consequences faced by those who opposed British authority.

Verma ji emerged as a prominent leader in mobilising people across Hardoi and neighbouring towns to participate in the freedom movement. In 1932, he was appointed Head of the Congress Seva Dal for Hardoi district, recognising his dedication and leadership.

During the Salt Satyagraha of 1930, launched by Mahatma Gandhi against the British Salt Laws, Gandhi ji was arrested on 5 May 1930 near Dandi. Following his arrest, Section 144 was imposed across the country. In protest, Babu Mohanlal organised demonstrations in Hardoi and was arrested along with five of his associates. While the others submitted written apologies to the British Government, he refused to do so. His unwavering stand led to a sentence of four months’ imprisonment.

Babu Mohanlal continued his active participation in the independence struggle and was imprisoned several times by the British authorities in the coming years. In 1932, he served another six-month jail term, followed by 15 months of imprisonment in 1940 for his role in the freedom movement. During these years, he was held in Hardoi and Badaun jails.

In 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, he once again joined the national struggle with complete commitment and willingly offered his arrest as a mark of solidarity. For his participation in the movement, the British imprisoned him in Bareilly Jail for 15 months, including a period of house arrest.

Through courage, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication to India’s independence, Babu Mohanlal Verma became an enduring symbol of patriotism and public service.

Young Babu Mohanlal Verma in Congress Seva Dal uniform — Young Babu Mohanlal Verma, associated with the freedom movement

Timeline

Public life at a glance

1930
First jail term
Imprisoned for four months during the Civil Disobedience movement.
1932
Congress Seva Dal leadership
Served as head of the Congress Seva Dal in Hardoi and was jailed for six months.
1940
Fifteen-month sentence
Received another prison sentence during the struggle against British rule.
1942
Quit India movement
Jailed again for fifteen months, including time under house arrest.
1948-1952
Member, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council
Entered legislative public life after independence.
1957-1962
MLA from Sandila
Elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly as a Praja Socialist Party candidate.
1958
Cane Eye Hospital
Helped establish Cane Eye Hospital in Hardoi.
1962-1967
MLA from Gauny-Gondwa
Returned to the Assembly as an Indian National Congress candidate.
1964-1965
Educational institutions
Associated with Shri Ram Bajpai Memorial School in 1964 and C.S.N. Degree College in 1965.
1976
All India Krishak Samaj
Became president of the All India Krishak Samaj.

Political Career

Legislator across parties and constituencies.

Verma served as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council from 1948 to 1952. He was later elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Sandila in 1957 as a Praja Socialist Party candidate.

In 1962, he won from Gauny-Gondwa as an Indian National Congress candidate. His later electoral activity included the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and a close 1969 contest from Mallawan.