Ramesh Chandra Jha


Ramesh Chandra Jha was an Indian poet, novelist and freedom fighter. Son of a senior Gandhian and freedom fighter Lakshmi Narayan Jha, who also contributed in Indian Freedom Struggle from Bihar. His maternal grandson Sanjeev K Jha is a well-known screenwriter who is working in Indian film industry. Ramesh Chandra Jha's poems, ghazals and stories often evoke patriotism and human values. Romanticism and struggle of life are also important aspects of his writing. His poetry expresses concerns of people's life struggle, their dreams and hopes.
His research based books including Champaran Ki Sahitya Sadhana , Champaran: Literature & Literary Writers and Apne Aur Sapne: A Literary Journey Of Champaran meticulously document the rich literary heritage and history of Champaran, Bihar. These seminal books continue to serve as foundational reference points for researchers, scholars, Ph.D. students, and journalists alike. Jha's exploration and preservation of Champaran's historical and literary legacy have solidified his place as a cornerstone in the field of literary research.

Life history

Ramesh Chandra Jha was born on 8 May 1928 in Fulwariya village of Sugauli in East Champaran district, known as Motihari, Bihar. His father, Laxmi Narayan Jha, was a patriot and freedom fighter who fought against British rule and was arrested many times, including on 15 April 1917 when Mahatma Gandhi visited Champaran for his Satyagrah movement. Influenced by these events, Ramesh Chandra Jha became active in nationalist activities from an early age. At the age of 14, he was convicted of robbery in connection with the movement. While imprisoned, he frequently caused disturbances and became a source of difficulty for the British officers.

Life as Freedom Fighter

Ramesh Chandra Jha went to jail many times during British rule because of his involvement in the Quit India Movement. At that time, he was a student of Hazarimal High School, Raxaul. He was entrapped into several cases of the robbery at police stations during freedom struggle. In his school days he led student protest and was later thrown out from the school.
S. R. Bakshi and Ritu Chaturvedi in his research based book have said that
Renowned litterateur Kanhiyalal Prabhakar Mishra writes about Ramesh Chandra Jha in the preface to a book, "The history of Ramesh Chandra Jha and his family is like laughing aloud in the face of ruin during the freedom struggle. He is among those who themselves put handcuffs to break the shackles of slavery. He also enjoyed the life of a dreaded absconder and is among those who did not get freedom but earned it."
While serving his jail term, he was drawn to reading Indian and world literature. After coming out of prison, he became a poet and author instead of joining any political party.

Works and literature

Ramesh Chandra Jha worked across various literary genres and forms. While his body of work is diverse, it predominantly reflects themes of patriotism, Chhayavad, and historical or period narratives.
The eminent poet and freedom fighter Rambriksh Benipuri, who were very close the Ramesh Jha once wrote:

Honours and awards

On 04-5 March 2016 on the occasion of completing 200 years of Treaty of Sugauli BHOR Organization had conducted Sugauli Sandhi Samaroh 2016. In this festival an important historical book about Sugauli and its past, Swadheenta Samar Mein Sugauli, had been launched and the Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman for writer and journalist had been awarded.
On 4 March 2016 the journalist Arvind Mohan, ex-DGP and the former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Vibhuti Narain Rai, along with many other special guests, launched Ramesh Chandra Jha's historical book titled Swadheenta Samar Mein Sugauli.
Bhor Charitable Trust conducted 2nd Bhor Literature Festival 2017 on the occasion of 100 Years of famous Gandhi's Champaran Satyagrah. This event was held at historical Phulwaria village of Champaran on 15–16 April 2017, during the festival 2nd Ramesh Chandra Jha Smriti Samman was given to Laxmi Shankar Bajpai. Bhor has Started Guruvar Dinesh Chandra Jha Bhor Rural olympiad. BRO for rural school children. In the year 2017 it has given to 12 students of Champaran region. Guruvar Dinesh Chandra Jha was the renowned teacher and younger brother of Ramesh Chandra Jha.

Major literary works

Poetry Collection '
  • Murlika,
  • Priyamvada,
  • Swagatika,
  • Megh-geet,
  • Aag-phool,
  • Bharat Desh Humara,
  • Jawaan Jagte Raho,
  • Marichika,
  • Jai Bharat Jai Gandhi,
  • Jai Bolo Hindustan Ki,
  • Priyadarshni
  • Deep Jalta Raha,
  • Challo-Dilli,
  • Neel Ke Daag
Historical Novel '
  • Durg Ka Ghera
  • Majaar Ka Diya,
  • Mitti Bol Uthi
  • Rao-Hammir,
  • Vatsraj,
  • Kunvar Singh,
  • Kaling Ka Lahu
Patriotic Work '
  • Yah Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka
  • Swadheenta Samar Mein:Sugauli
Social-Political Novel '
  • Dharti Ki Dhool
  • Jeevan-Daan
  • Roop Ki Rakh
  • Paas Ki Duri
  • Meera Nachi Re
  • Kaante Aur Kaliyan
Children's Literature '
  • Sone Ka Kangan
  • Chanda Ka Doot
  • Bandar Lala
  • Kehte Chalo Sunte Chalo
  • Inse Sikho Inse Jano
  • Kavita Bhari Kahaani
  • Naya Desh Nai Kahani
  • Gata Chal Bajata Chal
  • Kaisi Rahi Kahaani
  • Aao Suno Kahaani
  • Ek Samay Ki Baat
  • Aage Kadam Badhao
  • Bachho Suno Kahaani
  • Aao Padhte Jao
Autobiographical Novel '
  • Vidyapati
  • Bharat Putri
Research Work '
  • Champaran Ki Sahitya Sadhana
  • Apne Aur Sapne:A Literary Journey Of Champaran
  • Champaran:Literature & Literary Writers
Bhojpuri Novel '
  • Surma Sagun Bichare Na