Bhogilal Pandya Biography 
Bhogilal Pandya was a freedom fighter and social worker from Dungarpur, Rajasthan who lived in the 20th century. For his outstanding contributions towards the field of social work, he was honoured with Padma Bhushan by government of India in 1976. He lived during the period, November 13, 1904 - March 31, 1981. Bhogilal Pandya Government College of Rajasthan was named in his honour. This college was earlier known as Dungarpur Government College. A champion of education and rights for the poor, harijans, tribal and underprivileged, he was fondly called "Gandhi of Vahgad” by Rajasthani people.
Bhogilal Pandya was born on November 13, 1904 in Silmalwara village, Dungarpur district, present day Rajasthan in British India. Pitamber Pandya and Nathibai Pandya were his parents. His birthplace belonged to a tribal region. He married Maniben in 1920 at the age of 16, and had three sons and two daughters. He passed Matriculation examination from Ajmer and started his career as a teacher in High School, Dungarpur at the age of around 18. He got active in social life and politics during his younger days and was elected President of Seva-sangh in 1938. The main aim of this organization was to provide community service in a few regions of Rajasthan, mainly concentrating his hometown Dungarpur and nearby places.
When Harijan Sevak Sangh was established in Dungarpur, Pandiyaji became its founding minister. Pandya worked for the uplift of harijans, tribes and lower division of people of Rajasthan throughout his life. For such people, he has set up numerous organizations too. Apart from adivasis, and tribal people, harijans also highly regard him. He devoted his whole life to the awakening of the ideal society. The idol of Bhogilal Pandey is established in the bus stand of the Seemalwada Panchayat Samiti headquarters.
Published: December 04, 2018
Updated: December 04, 2018
