Chetanpura: Cradle of revolutionary Comrade Sohna Singh Josh

The historic village of Chetanpura in Amritsar district holds a special place in India’s freedom movement. It is the birthplace of Comrade Sohna Singh Josh — a renowned freedom fighter, communist leader, poet and writer — whose life was devoted to the nation’s service and the upliftment of society.

Born on November 12, 1898, to Lal Singh and Dyal Kaur, Josh began his early education in the village under a local teacher and later completed his matriculation from High School Majitha. He joined Khalsa College, Amritsar, for higher studies, but financial constraints forced him to discontinue. Yet his thirst for knowledge and passion for social justice remained undiminished.

Josh’s nationalist spirit was ignited by revolutionary writings published in Lahore’s Akali Akhbaar. The articles and poems against British rule inspired him to join the Gurdwara Reform Movement and the historic “Chabian (Keys) da Morcha.” His fiery speeches against British oppression made him a familiar name across Punjab’s villages and led to his arrest. Over the years, he spent nearly twelve years in prison for his revolutionary activities.

In March 1923, Josh became the general secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal. When the British government declared the SGPC and the Akali Dal unlawful, several leaders, including Josh, were arrested. During his imprisonment, he studied Marxist philosophy in depth, which profoundly shaped his political outlook.

In 1926, he launched the progressive magazine Kirti and became its editor the following year. Through Kirti, he spread the message of socialism and independence, inspiring many young revolutionaries.

Josh was later implicated in the Meerut Conspiracy Case and sentenced to seven years in prison. After his release in 1934, he continued to work tirelessly for the rights of farmers and workers. Unlike many revolutionaries who believed in violent struggle, he advocated non-violent and organised mass movements to achieve freedom and equality.

A prolific writer, Josh authored several important works, including Akali Morchian Da Itihaas, Rutt Naviyan Di Aayi, Meri Roos Yatra, Punjab Boli te Bhasha Vigyan, and Meerut Saazish Case. His contributions to Punjabi literature and political thought remain invaluable.

Comrade Sohna Singh Josh passed away on July 29, 1982, but his native village, Chetanpura, continues to be remembered as the soil that nurtured one of Punjab’s most fearless voices for justice, equality, and human dignity.