Dhanbad: A veteran journalist of coal town has put to use his years of knowledge and research in writing a book highlighting the trade union movement in Coal Belt during the pre-Independence era.
Bankhandi Mishra (85), former editor of Dainik Chunauti, has written the book Ramjas Agarwala, basedon the life of one of the prominent coal traders of Dhanbad.
The 185-page Hindi book, divided in 40 chapters, focuses on the achievements of Ramjas Agarwala (1866 to 1947), including his contribution to earthquake victims in 1934.
It also essays his role in the establishment of prominent academic institutions like Jharia Academy School and setting up a catholic church near RSP College-Jharia, a burial ground at Horiladih and a gurdwara in Koiribandh locality of Dhanbad.
Mishra, who had been associated with several vernacular dailies in his 60-long career, said the book was an attempt to highlight the traders' community of Jharia under the leadership of Ramjas Agarwala.
"During my journalism days I had learnt a lot about Agarwala and his contributions towards the development of Jharia. It took me six months to write the book that mainly highlights the multi dimensional personality of Agarwala," said Mishra.
Priced at Rs 250, the book will hit the market on January-end.
According to Mishra, the book throws light on unknown facts like Mahatma Gandhi visiting Dhanbad on three occasions - at the annual conference of Congress in Gaya in 1922, at a public meetings in Jharia on January 12, 1927 and another public meeting in Bermo and Jharia on April 1934. Agarwala was present on all the three occasions and also financially helped Gandhi ji to execute the meetings.
"Agarwala owned several coal mines in Jharia and helped in organising the trade union movement and also the 2nd conference of All India Trade Union Congress in Jharia in 1921," said said Mishra.
"Besides Gandhi ji, Agarwala even financially helped other prominent leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru to organise the trade union movement," added Mishra.
