Baba Raghav Das, popularly known as 'Gandhi of Poorvanchal', was born in a rich Brahman family on 12 December 1896 at
Pune, Maharastra. He played a great role in the political, social, economical, and the cultural activities of the nation.
After his education he left Mumbai in 1913 in search of a siddh guru and reached Kashi. After that he went to Ghazipur, where he met 'Mauni baba' and learned Hindi. Later he met 'Yogiraj Anant Mahaprabhu' and accepted him as his guru.
In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi visited Gorakhpur. Baba met Gandhiji and since then he continuously worked for independence and served the oppressed people. He was imprisoned for the first time in 1921. Baba accompanied Gandhiji during Dandi March and sincerely involved himself in the freedom struggle.
During the independence movement, he was imprisoned many times. After freedom, he preferred to serve people rather than be in the government. However, due to the strong insistence of some of the top leaders of India, he contested in the elections and was elected MLA in 1948. After that he continued to work for the people.
During 1947 to 1957 he dedicated himself to various welfare activities. He took an active part in the 'Bhu-dan' movement started by Binoba Bhave. On January 15, 1958, Baba Raghav Das passed away.
