Sir Chhotu Ram, also known as Sir Chhotu Ram Balyan, was a prominent Indian politician, social reformer, and agricultural leader who played a significant role in the pre-independence era, particularly in the region of Punjab (which now includes parts of modern-day Haryana and Punjab states). Here’s an overview of his life and contributions:

Early Life and Education:

• Sir Chhotu Ram was born on November 24, 1881, in Garhi-Sampla village, which is now located in the Rohtak district of Haryana, India.
• He hailed from a family of Jat farmers and received his early education in traditional Indian schools (pathshalas) before pursuing higher education.

Political Career and Advocacy for Farmers:

• Chhotu Ram began his political career as a lawyer and later entered public service, eventually rising to prominence as a leader of the farming community in Punjab.
• He became known for his advocacy of the rights and interests of farmers, particularly the Jat community, and played a pivotal role in addressing their grievances.
• Chhotu Ram was instrumental in championing agrarian reforms, including the promotion of cooperative farming, land reforms, and measures to alleviate the burden of rural indebtedness.

Role in Legislative and Administrative Affairs:

• Chhotu Ram served as a member of the Punjab Legislative Council and later the Punjab Legislative Assembly, where he advocated for policies to uplift the agricultural sector and rural economy.
• He held various ministerial positions in the government, including that of Revenue Minister, and worked to implement land reforms and improve irrigation infrastructure in the region.

Founder of Unionist Party:

• Sir Chhotu Ram was one of the founders of the Unionist Party, a political party in Punjab that represented the interests of landlords, farmers, and rural communities.
• The Unionist Party advocated for communal harmony and cooperation among different religious and ethnic groups in Punjab, playing a significant role in the province’s political landscape during the pre-independence era.

Legacy and Impact:

• Sir Chhotu Ram is remembered as a visionary leader and a champion of social and economic justice for farmers and rural communities.
• His efforts in advocating for agrarian reforms, cooperative farming, and rural development left a lasting impact on Punjab’s agricultural sector and influenced policies in independent India.
• Chhotu Ram’s legacy continues to be celebrated in Haryana and Punjab, where he is revered as a symbol of empowerment for farmers and a pioneer of cooperative movement in the country.

Sir Chhotu Ram’s contributions to the welfare of farmers and his advocacy for agrarian reforms have earned him a revered place in the history of Indian politics and social reform movements, particularly in the region of Punjab.