Trilochan Pokhrel – A Forgotten Gandhian Hero from Sikkim

How do ordinary individuals rise to confront extraordinary challenges? What drives a simple man to abandon material comforts and dedicate his life to a cause greater than himself? Why do some names fade into obscurity, despite their invaluable contributions to history? Today, we explore the story of Trilochan Pokhrel, a forgotten hero from the Himalayan state of Sikkim, whose unwavering commitment to truth, non-violence, and self-reliance mirrored the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

Trilochan Pokhrel, often referred to as Bandey Pokhrel or Gandhi Pokhrel, was a distinguished freedom fighter from Sikkim whose life was deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. Born around the late 19th century, likely in 1875, in the serene village of Tareythang Busty, Pakyong subdivision, East Sikkim, Trilochan Pokhrel hailed from a modest family. He was the son of Bhadralal Pokhrel and Januka Pokhrel, whose rural upbringing instilled in him an understanding of the struggles of the common people.

Contribution to the Freedom Movement

Trilochan Pokhrel’s involvement in the Indian independence struggle was multifaceted. He actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), advocating the boycott of foreign goods and promoting indigenous production. Inspired by Gandhi, he returned to Sikkim and introduced the Swadeshi movement to the region. Pokhrel frequented rural markets, spinning cotton on his charkha and encouraging villagers to adopt khadi. His efforts were instrumental in bringing the nationalist spirit to the Himalayan state, which had limited exposure to the broader independence movement.

During the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) and the Quit India Movement (1942), Pokhrel expanded his efforts, spreading the message of non-violence and self-reliance among the Sikkimese peasantry. Despite Sikkim being a princely state under indirect British rule, he faced resistance from local elites and colonial authorities. Undeterred, Pokhrel continued his grassroots activism, rallying support for Gandhi’s ideals. His habit of greeting people with the patriotic slogan “Bande Mataram” earned him the nickname Bandey Pokhrel. His resemblance to Gandhi in both appearance and ideology led to him being affectionately called Gandhi Pokhrel by the people.

Midlife Struggles and Sacrifices

Pokhrel’s journey was not without challenges. His commitment to Gandhian principles often meant leading a life of simplicity and sacrifice. He gave up material comforts and devoted himself entirely to the cause of freedom and social reform. The local Sikkimese population, particularly farmers, benefited from his efforts to promote self-reliance and economic independence. He also became a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression in a region that was otherwise isolated from the mainstream freedom struggle.

Pokhrel’s personal sacrifices were immense. He spent long periods away from his family, traveling to rural areas to educate and mobilize the masses. Despite these hardships, his unwavering belief in Gandhi’s teachings kept him motivated. He often walked barefoot or wore simple wooden slippers, a testament to his commitment to a life of minimalism and self-discipline.

Key Figures Who Shaped Trilochan Pokhrel’s Journey

1. Mahatma Gandhi: The Primary Inspiration for Trilochan Pokhrel’s Philosophy and Activism

Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s freedom struggle, was the cornerstone of Trilochan Pokhrel’s ideological framework. Gandhi’s emphasis on truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), and self-reliance (Swadeshi) resonated deeply with Pokhrel, who saw these principles as not only tools for political liberation but also as a way to uplift rural communities.

During his time at Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, Pokhrel immersed himself in Gandhi’s philosophy. He participated in spinning cotton on the charkha, a symbolic act of defiance against British industrial goods, and embraced the Gandhian lifestyle of simplicity and service. Gandhi’s call for boycotting foreign goods and adopting indigenous products profoundly influenced Pokhrel’s work in Sikkim.

Inspired by Gandhi, Pokhrel returned to his homeland, adopting his mentor’s strategies to awaken the spirit of self-reliance among the Sikkimese peasantry. He mimicked Gandhi’s simplicity, wearing a cotton dhoti and wooden slippers, which earned him the title Gandhi Pokhrel. Gandhi’s teachings transformed Pokhrel from an ordinary individual into a torchbearer of change in a remote corner of the subcontinent.

2. Vinoba Bhave: A Fellow Gandhian Who Influenced Pokhrel’s Vision for Rural Reform

Vinoba Bhave, often referred to as Gandhi’s spiritual successor, played a crucial role in further shaping Trilochan Pokhrel’s perspective on social reform. Bhave, known for his Bhoodan Movement (land gift movement) and advocacy for decentralized rural development, shared Gandhi’s vision of a self-reliant and equitable society. Pokhrel’s time at Sarvodaya Ashram in Bihar, where he worked alongside Bhave, was pivotal in honing his focus on empowering rural communities.

Bhave’s belief in the transformative power of grassroots activism complemented Pokhrel’s own efforts to instill a sense of pride and self-sufficiency among the Sikkimese population. Bhave’s initiatives, which aimed to redistribute land and empower the poor, reinforced Pokhrel’s commitment to bringing economic independence to Sikkim’s peasantry. Pokhrel’s adoption of these principles was evident in his work to promote khadi, encourage Swadeshi practices, and educate villagers about their rights and responsibilities.

While Gandhi provided the philosophical foundation for Pokhrel’s activism, Bhave’s practical approach to rural development served as a blueprint for implementing these ideals in the context of Sikkim’s unique challenges.

3. LD Kazi: Sikkim’s First Chief Minister, Whose Democratic Ideals Resonated with Pokhrel’s Principles

Lhendup Dorji Kazi, popularly known as LD Kazi, was Sikkim’s first Chief Minister and a staunch advocate of democracy and social justice. Although Kazi emerged on the political stage after India’s independence, his ideals aligned closely with Trilochan Pokhrel’s vision for an empowered and equitable society. Kazi played a pivotal role in integrating Sikkim with India, ensuring the rights and aspirations of the Sikkimese people were upheld.

Kazi’s commitment to democratic governance and grassroots empowerment echoed the values Pokhrel championed during his lifetime. Both men shared a vision of a self-reliant, inclusive society where the voices of the rural poor were heard and respected. Although Pokhrel had passed away by the time Kazi assumed leadership, the latter’s democratic reforms and efforts to uplift marginalized communities can be seen as a continuation of the groundwork laid by Pokhrel.

The recognition of Trilochan Pokhrel with the LD Kazi Award for Democratic Movement in 2018 was a symbolic acknowledgment of the shared ideals and the foundational role Pokhrel played in promoting these principles in Sikkim.

Later Years and Passing

After India gained independence in 1947, Trilochan Pokhrel continued his work to uplift the rural poor in Sikkim. However, his contributions remained largely unrecognized during his lifetime. His later years were marked by declining health, and he sought treatment at the Prakritik Chikitsalaya in Purnia district, Bihar. On January 27, 1969, Trilochan Pokhrel passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage, simplicity, and service. His death marked the end of an era, but his ideals continued to inspire future generations.

Legacy and Recognition

For many years, Trilochan Pokhrel’s contributions were overshadowed by the larger narrative of India’s independence movement. It was only in 2018 that the Government of Sikkim posthumously honored him with the LD Kazi Award for Democratic Movement, acknowledging his pivotal role in spreading Gandhian philosophy and promoting the Swadeshi spirit in Sikkim. This recognition was a long-overdue tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to the service of his people and his country.

Today, Trilochan Pokhrel is celebrated as a symbol of resilience and simplicity. His efforts to bring the nationalist movement to the rural hinterlands of Sikkim serve as a reminder of the power of grassroots activism. From his early days at Sabarmati Ashram to his final years in Bihar, Pokhrel’s life exemplifies the values of non-violence, self-reliance, and unwavering dedication to truth and justice.