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Sagarmal Gopa
Shri Sagarmal Gopa, the freedom fighter of Jaisalmer, was born on 3rd November, 1900 in and affuent Brahminfamily. His ancestors were the Rajgurus of Jaisalmer Kingdom and were serving on the prestigious posts of the state. Shri Sagarmal Gopa was the son of Shri Akhya Raj who was in the state service of Jaisalmer. He was disturbed by the attitude adopted by the state towards the freedom movement and preferred to migrate with his family to Nagpur.
Shri Sagarmal Gopa was a devoted patriot and freedom fighter. In 1921 he took active part in non co-operation movement. He vehemently opposed the anti-people attitude of the then rulers. He took keen interest in the affairs of the princely states. His zeal for public service and other freedom movement activities compelled the administration to ban his entry into Jaisalmer and Hyderabad. Inspite the ban he continued his activities and took part in the conferences of All India Council of Princely states. He motivated the public to take part in freedom movement through press. "Jaisalmer Rajya Ka Gunda Shasan" and "Raghunath Singh Ka Mukadma" aresome of his notable books.
Shri Gopa's exile from Jaisalmer could not abate his love for his motherland and he continued to take keen interest in the activities of Jaisalmer state. One and a half years after the death of his father in October 1938, he again thought of returning to Jaisalmer. The then Resident of Jaisalmer state had given verbal and written assurances that no case is registered against him, hence he should not apprehend any ill treatment. Contrary to these assurances, he was arrested on 25th May, 1941 and sent to jail for many years where he was badly tortured. He was arrested without assigning any reason for it when he was about to leave Jaisalmer as per his pre-determined programme. While bearing all sorts of cruelties at the hands of jail officials, he ultimately breathed his last on 4th April, 1946.
One 27th April, 1946 making special mention, Pt.Jawahar Lal Nehru said, 'We have heard that Shri Sagar Mal Gopa, the well known political worker of Jaisalmer had died in the jail. We have been informed that he had committed suicide. This is unbelievable statement about Shri Gopa who was imprisoned. We have made deep enquiries into the case and piteous facts have come to light. It is obvious that Shri Sagarmal Gopa was burnt alive on 3rd April. This sort of ill-treatment with any person in general and with politicians in particular is very horrid and nothing less than hooligans'.
The sacrifice of Shri Sagarmal Gopa proved to be an inspiration for the people of Jaisalmer and its surrounding areas to participate in the freedom movement. His martyrdom gave a new direction to the thinking of the public and gave strength to the feeling of breaking the hands of servility.
The Department of Posts feels privileged to issue a commemorative stamp in honour of the great martyr Shri Sagarmal Gopa in the series 'India's struggle for freedom'.
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