Tarachand Shermal Surana, born in 1890 in Yavatmal, emerged as a formidable force in India's fight for independence despite his limited formal education, which ceased at the sixth standard. From a tender age, he actively engaged in various freedom movements, displaying an unwavering commitment to the cause. In 1930, Surana faced imprisonment for 15 days for his involvement in the freedom struggle, yet this setback failed to deter his resolve. Subsequently, he endured a three-month sentence at Yavatmal Jail, further demonstrating his steadfast dedication.
The watershed moment of the 'Quit India' movement in 1942 saw Surana's fervent participation alongside fellow freedom fighter Jawaharlal Darda. His active involvement brought him into proximity with towering figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, Pandit Nehru, and others, profoundly influencing his ideology.
Participating in the Individual Satyagraha movement in 1941, Surana incurred fines of Rs. 500 and Rs. 750 successively. Additionally, his commitment led to a three-month sentence with hard labor during the "ChaleJav" movement in 1942.
Post-independence, Surana transitioned into governance, serving as Yavatmal City's inaugural mayor and subsequently representing the constituency as its first MLA. Notably, his contributions extended beyond the realm of politics, as he remained dedicated to societal welfare. His legacy embodies the spirit of resilience and selflessness that characterized India's struggle for freedom. His journey from grassroots activism to political leadership underscores his enduring impact on the nation's trajectory toward independence and subsequent development.
‘Swatantra Sainik Charitra Kosh’ Vidarbha Zone Maharashtra State Gazetteers
Source: Shivaji Govindrao Mhaske, Contributor for CCRT.