Shri Parmanand “Adhir” was a remarkable figure born on October 7, 1939, in the small village of Ahirka in the princely state of Jind, Haryana, India. His story is one of dedication, resilience, and a relentless commitment to social reform. Shri Adhir’s life is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in India.
From a young age, Shri Parmanand had a passion for playing the flute. However, the winds of change in the form of the Arya Samaj movement swept him toward the path of social reform. He was a quick learner, mastering languages such as Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. Fearlessness and self-esteem were integral parts of his personality.
Despite the humble beginnings, Shri Parmanand’s pursuit of education was unwavering. He started school at the age of ten, after spending three years herding cattle. His sharp intellect, exceptional memory, and hard work enabled him to pass the tenth grade at the young age of seventeen. Not only did he excel academically, consistently ranking among the top students, but he also stood out in sports like football and kabaddi. Shri Parmanand was a champion in debate competitions and other extracurricular activities, and he even served as the Student Council President at Jat High School, Jind.
Financial constraints at home prevented him from pursuing a college education after completing the tenth grade. Undeterred, he enrolled in a one-year teaching course and embarked on a career as a government schoolteacher. His dedication and teaching skills quickly garnered recognition and fame.
Shri Parmanand’s thirst for knowledge remained unquenched, and he became a self-taught student, eventually earning Prabhakar, B.A., and M.A. (English) degrees. In 1966, he resigned from his government job to open a degree college in Jind, successfully running B.A. and B.Sc. classes for eleven years.
In 1966, he ventured into social and political activities, actively engaging with organizations and movements for the backward classes. He played a pivotal role in the Backward Classes Sangh’s 1973 movement and was arrested in Delhi for his activism. His political ideology leaned towards progressivism and socialism.
Shri Parmanand joined the Socialist Party in 1966 and served as the General Secretary of the district in 1967. In 1970, he led a protest in Hisar jail, responding to issues in Chandigarh. In 1973, the Socialist Party, in collaboration with other parties, formed the Indian Lok Dal. Shri Parmanand was greatly influenced by Chaudhary Charan Singh’s ideas and served as the State Secretary of the Indian Lok Dal in 1975.
In 1977, the Indian Lok Dal, along with four other parties, merged to form the Janata Party, and Shri Parmanand actively participated in its formation as a delegate. The Janata Party disintegrated in 1979, but Shri Parmanand continued his association with his original unit, the Lok Dal, working as a member from 1982 to 1985.
In 1985, Shri Parmanand dedicated himself entirely to Chaudhary Devi Lal’s judicial battle. He organized training camps in 46 legislative assembly constituencies to build a strong cadre of workers and contributed wholeheartedly to every call for the judicial battle. In 1987, he became an MLA from Jind and was soon appointed as a Cabinet Minister, handling important portfolios such as education, public welfare, food and supplies, and forest and wildlife. As an MLA, he relentlessly fought for the welfare of his constituency, the region, backward classes, and Dalits.
Shri Parmanand was a force to be reckoned with in the state assembly, showcasing his abilities, eloquence, strength, and fearlessness. As a minister, he strived to raise awareness and organize for the upliftment of backward classes, providing grants to numerous community centers and fulfilling a multitude of promises for marginalized communities.
When discrimination and atrocities against the backward classes intensified, Shri Parmanand actively raised demands on every platform and in correspondence. He vehemently opposed the unconstitutional takeover by Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala. In response to the growing discrimination and oppression against the backward classes, he resigned from his ministerial post and led an extensive campaign against the Chautala family, denouncing dynastic rule, casteism, hooliganism, authoritarianism, and corruption. He also held the position of Senior Vice President in the Lok Dal.
In the 1991 elections, Shri Parmanand ran for the Hisar parliamentary constituency for the second time but was defeated. He had previously contested in 1980 as an independent candidate, demonstrating his strength and commitment. In 1991, he became the Chief General Secretary of the Janata Dal Haryana, making efforts to unite the fragmented Janata Dal. However, due to neglect by central leaders, internal conflicts, and repeated splits, he left the Janata Dal in September 1993 and joined the Congress.
Within the Congress, Shri Parmanand continued to earn respect and simultaneously formed organizations to advocate for the welfare of the backward classes, preparing them for decisive struggles. His journey was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the cause.
In 1989, he was arrested in Jind for providing a befitting reply to the aggressive anti-reservation movement. He led demonstrations in favor of reservation in Hisar and organized a massive rally in support of the Mandal Commission in Sirsa, along with a conference in Fatehabad.
On July 20, 1995, when Chaudhary Bhajan Lal issued orders against the Mandal Commission’s report, which was perceived as an anti-backward class, Shri Parmanand resigned from the commission and joined the Indira Congress. Utilizing his knowledge, experience, and organizational skills, he organized a massive rally in Jind on December 9, 1995, making the Indira Congress a strong contender for power.
In 1996, Shri Parmanand faced a physical challenge due to a bus accident. He didn’t let this disappointment stop him, though. He channeled his determination into literature, becoming a prolific writer. His social writings were published in numerous magazines and major newspapers. He authored numerous stories, poems, novels, and critiques, which found a place in literary magazines and major newspapers.
His literary works were celebrated and admired. His poetry was even approved for an M.Phil. thesis by Kurukshetra University, and research work on his writings was ongoing in several other universities. Despite his physical limitations, Shri Parmanand paved the way for others through his literature. His writings depicted the struggles and hardships of life, highlighting the common man’s challenges and offering sharp critiques of society’s oppressors.
Shri Parmanand “Adhir” received various awards, including the Vaiddha Dharam Sahitya Ratna Award and the Uday Bhanu Hans Poetry Award. He also took on the role of an editor for two magazines, “Mookvani” and “Pichhara Varg Mitra.”
Circumstances under which he composed his works under the pen name “Adhir”
