Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan
India·Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram)·Male·21st century
Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan is an Indian politician, social activist, Ambedkarite, and lawyer. He is the chief and co-founder of the Bhim Army and the National President of the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram). In 2024, he was elected as a Member of Parliament to the 18th Lok Sabha from Nagina, and in 2021, Time magazine recognized him as one of the 100 Emerging Leaders shaping the future.
Key Facts
- ›Co-founded the Bhim Army in 2014 to work for the emancipation of Dalits through education.
- ›Founded the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) in 2020.
- ›Elected as a Member of Parliament to the 18th Lok Sabha from Nagina in June 2024.
- ›Featured in Time magazine's 100 Emerging Leaders list in 2021.
- ›Experienced caste-based discrimination in his youth, influencing his commitment to social justice.
- ›Has been arrested and detained on multiple occasions for his activism and protests.
Important Relationships
- Bhim Army
- Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram)
Saharanpur, Western Uttar Pradesh, Nagina, Gorakhpur
Ambedkarite
Hindi
About Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan
Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan is a prominent Indian politician, social activist, and lawyer, born on December 3, 1986. He is a significant figure within the Ambedkarite movement and is recognized for his work towards Dalit emancipation. Azad Ravan is the chief and co-founder of the Bhim Army, an organization established in 2014 that operates free schools for Dalits in western Uttar Pradesh, aiming to uplift the community through education.
Early Life and Activism
Born in the village of Chhutmalpur in Saharanpur, western Uttar Pradesh, Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan experienced caste-based discrimination from an early age. This personal experience deeply influenced his commitment to social justice and advocacy. His father, Govardhan Das, was a retired principal of a government school. Azad Ravan gained attention for his activism after installing a prominent hoarding titled "The Great Chamars of Ghadkhauli Welcome You" on the outskirts of his village. He also initiated free coaching classes and distributed free books to help underprivileged students.
Political Career and National Recognition
In 2020, Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan founded the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram). He has contested elections, including a notable run against Yogi Adityanath in the Gorakhpur Urban Assembly constituency in 2022. His political trajectory led to him winning the Nagina Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 Indian general election, securing 5,12,552 votes. His growing influence was recognized by Time magazine in February 2021 when he was included in their annual list of 100 Emerging Leaders who are shaping the future. Azad Ravan has also been involved in protests against discriminatory legislation, such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which led to his arrest on multiple occasions.
Legal and Political Challenges
Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan has faced legal scrutiny, including arrests related to the Saharanpur violence incident and under the National Security Act. He was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court, with his legal team arguing that the arrests were politically motivated. His activism has often placed him in opposition to established political powers, highlighting his role as a vocal advocate for marginalized communities.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan?
Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan is an Indian politician, social activist, lawyer, and Ambedkarite. He is known for co-founding the Bhim Army and leading the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram).
What is the Bhim Army?
The Bhim Army is an organization co-founded by Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan in 2014. It focuses on the emancipation of Dalits through education and operates free schools in western Uttar Pradesh.
What political positions does Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan hold?
He is currently serving as a Member of Parliament in the 18th Lok Sabha from Nagina, elected in June 2024. He is also the National President of the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram).
Has Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan faced legal challenges?
Yes, he has been arrested and detained on several occasions, including in relation to the Saharanpur violence incident and for protesting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. He was granted bail in some instances after his lawyers argued the arrests were politically motivated.
What recognition has Chandrashekhar Azad Ravan received?
In February 2021, Time magazine featured him in its annual list of 100 Emerging Leaders who are shaping the future.
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