Nana Patil
Nana Patil popularly known as Krantisinha ( lit. 'revolutionary lion') was an Indian independence activist (Freedom Fighter) and Member of Parliament for the Communist Party of India representing Satara. Earlier, he had been a founder of the revolutionary 'Prati-sarkar' formed in Satara district of west Maharashtra[Yedemachhindragad]. He died on 6 December 1976.
British Raj period
Nana Patil was born on 3 August 1900 at yedemachhindra (Bahe)gaon ,walawa,sangli,maharashtra. His full name was Nana Ramchanra Pisal and he was a founder member of Hindustan Republican Association who went underground between 1929 to 1932. Patil was imprisoned eight or nine times during the struggle with the British Raj from 1932 to 1942. He went underground for a second time for a duration of 44 months during the Quit India movement in 1942. He was active mainly in Tasgaon, Khanapur, Walva and south Karad Talukas in Satara Districts. For a few months he stayed in the village of Dhankawadi, Purandhar and received help from the then Patil (village headman) Mr. Shamrao Takawale. Strongly opposed to Gandhian resistance, Patil's method was direct attack on the Colonial Government and was widely accepted in this district.
Connections with Prarthana Samaj
He started his social work from 1919 with Prarthana Samaj for development of depressed classes and worked for creating awareness against blind faith and harmful traditions. Nana spent 10 years working for the Prarthana Samaj and the associated Satyashodhak Samaj. During this period he started welfare initiatives such as 'samaj-vivah' (low budget marriage) and girls education as well. He spread message of Prarthana Samaj that man doesn't need intermediaries to communicate with God or to pray. He was against the caste system. Throughout his life he fought for the poor and farmers' rights. He taught them to avoid extra expenses incurred in traditional marriage ceremonies and festivals, he also advised them to avoid taking loans and also emphasized the importance of child education for social development.
In Parliament
Patil was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1957 from north Satara constituency as a candidate of Communist Party of India.
Political career
Patil started his public life in the Indian National Congress but later joined the Peasants and Workers Party of India with Shankarrao More, Keshavrao Jedhe, Bhausaheb Raut, Madhavrao Bagal in 1948. He got a ticket from Communist Party of India in 1957 to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Satara constituency and in 1967 from Beed constituency.
Patil also fought along with Aacharya Atre for the creation of the state of Maharashtra.
External links
References
Kalyan Shinde