Sukhdev Patar

Halba revolutionaries, including the late Sukhdev Patar (Patar Halba) from Bhelwapani village in Durgakondal, Bhanupratappur Tehsil, Kanker district, played a crucial role in the country's independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi through non-violent means.

Sukhdev Patar was born in 1892 in the village of Raurwahi, Kanker. His father, Raghunath Halba, hailed from Bahetipadar, Dumtrai district Narayanpur, but had migrated to the Kanker region.

The people of Kanker were deeply dissatisfied with the British exploitation and oppressive behavior. In 1920, the Non-Cooperation Movement was initiated in Chhattisgarh, mirroring the nationwide movement. Mahatma Gandhi visited Chhattisgarh for the first time in 1920 to support the protesters in the Kandel Canal Satyagraha. Sukhdev Patar, along with Indru Kenwat and Kanglu Kumhar, undertook a journey from Kanker to Dhamtari to meet Gandhiji.

Following the influence of Gandhiji's Non-Cooperation Movement, Sukhdev Patar, along with Indru Kenvat and Kanglu Kumhar, adopted a Gandhian approach to oppose the British government in the Durgakondal region. They would travel through villages spreading awareness about patriotism in markets with the tricolor flag and charkha.

Sukhdev Patar was actively involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement as well. When Mahatma Gandhi visited Chhattisgarh for the second time in 1933, Sukhdev Patar, Indru Kenwat, and Kanglu Kumhar traveled to Durg to meet him. Through their efforts, Surungdoh, Bhejalpani, and Durgakondal emerged as key centers of the freedom struggle. The British authorities in the princely state of Kanker were alarmed by the activities of Patar Halba and his companions. In 1933, Raghuvir Prasad, the superintendent of the Kanker princely state, led two expeditions to capture Sukhdev Patar and his associates. Despite searches at the Kodekurse market and other locations, they managed to evade capture.

Sukhdev Patar led a gathering at "Patar Garden" by the Khandi river to motivate the tribal community in the fight for independence. Around two thousand individuals attended the meeting, proudly displaying the tricolor flag alongside the spinning wheel. During this event, Patar Halba and his companions encouraged the crowd towards the cause of freedom.

In 1944-45, Patar Halba, Indru Kenwat, and Kanglu Kumhar spearheaded an anti-land revenue movement under the guidance of Diwan T. Mohapatra of Kanker State, protesting against the hike in land revenue (rent). The trio faced charges of treason for resisting British authority and were subsequently punished.

After the country gained independence, Sukhdev Patar raised the Charkha flag as a symbol of freedom in the villages of Surungdoh and Gotulmunda. This passionate advocate for freedom, a true patriot of India, passed away on January 9, 1962.

The All India Adivasi Halba Samaj and his descendant Dhal Singh Patar have urged the government to recognize Sukhdev Patar as a freedom fighter. Regrettably, to this day, this dedicated son has not received the rightful recognition for his contributions.