Renowned Gandhian activist who led historic marches for land, forest rights passes away

By Bharat Dogra 

Dr. Ran Singh Parmar, a senior Gandhian activist who played a crucial role in organizing several long and difficult marches for peace and justice in India, passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 72. He died soon after addressing an important gathering of social activists in Tilda, near Raipur in Chhattisgarh. Known for his deep commitment to his work and colleagues, Ran Singh remained true to his responsibilities until the very end of his life.

Dr. Parmar was the National President of Ekta Parishad, one of the most prominent groups of Gandhian organizations in India working for weaker sections. He also served as General Secretary of the National Youth Project, Secretary of Mahatma Gandhi Ashram in Jaura (Madhya Pradesh), and Trustee of Gandhi Bhavan in Bhopal.

For nearly 50 years, Ran Singh worked in close cooperation with his mentors, S.N. Subba Rao and P.V. Rajagopal, on a wide range of issues, including land reforms and jal, jangal, jameen (meaning rights of villagers and the poor relating to water, forests, and land), peaceful mobilization for justice, and youth engagement in social causes. In this process, Ran Singh exhibited exceptional skill in organizing youth camps and long marches for the rights of weaker sections, tribal communities, and the landless or near-landless rural poor. While many in India and visitors from abroad were deeply impressed by the large number of participants and the long duration of these marches—which could continue for weeks with night halts—what enabled this success was meticulous planning and careful use of limited resources with the help of local communities along the march routes. Ran Singh Parmar made a vital contribution to such efforts.

For several years, one could not imagine the impactful events of Ekta Parishad without the active presence and involvement of Ran Singh Parmar.

As a rather carefree youth studying for his doctorate in agricultural sciences, Ran Singh came under the inspirational influence of Subba Rao. Under his guidance, he began devoting more of his time and efforts to social causes. This was the period when the surrender of dacoits in the Chambal Valley, inspired by Gandhian activists, was widely seen as a major step forward for non-violent social change. What could not be achieved by large police forces was made possible by activists of the peace movement. Several activists like Ran Singh Parmar worked quietly to strengthen the follow-up work needed to consolidate the gains of these peaceful surrenders.

This work was particularly meaningful for Ran Singh, as he was born in a village in the Chambal Valley in Morena district. Within his lifetime, he witnessed the great results of this noble effort, as villages in this once dacoit-affected region became largely free from this terror.

True to the Gandhian tradition of combining struggles with constructive work, Ran Singh also made important contributions to strengthening several activities, including cottage industries to promote livelihoods and the khadi movement to improve the self-reliance of rural communities in and around the Gandhi Ashram in Jaura.

On a personal level, I should add that over decades of meetings and interactions with him at various mobilizations and dialogues of Ekta Parishad and its sister organizations, he was always welcoming and pleasant. Whatever burdens he carried in terms of heavy responsibilities, he did not show them on his face, greeting visitors with a smile and inquiring about their travel and stay. In fact, my last telephone conversation with him was just a few days ago, when he called to ask if I would like him to arrange a train ticket for a meeting on the Chambal peace processes. At any such meetings and mobilizations in the near future, all present will greatly miss his reassuring presence and welcoming smile.

The sudden demise of Ran Singh has left a big void in the world of several important social organizations and initiatives in India. The best way to pay homage to him—particularly for his younger colleagues and followers—is to strive to contribute to his ideals and objectives with the same commitment and zeal that Ran Singh showed in his life and work.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Man over Machine (Gandhian Path to Peace), A Day in 2071, and Protecting Earth for Children.