Growing Demands in Prayagraj to Rename SRN Hospital After Freedom Fighter Thakur Roshan Singh

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh)

Public momentum is building in Prayagraj to rename Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital after the prominent Indian freedom fighter Thakur Roshan Singh. Posters have appeared across the city advocating for the change to honor the revolutionary, who was executed by the British administration for his role in the 1925 Kakori Train Action.

The hospital currently stands on the historic grounds of the former Malaka Jail—the site where Roshan Singh was executed. Following India’s independence, the prison facility was converted into a medical institute and named after Swaroop Rani Nehru, the mother of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and wife of freedom movement leader Motilal Nehru.

Campaign History and Political Support

The renaming campaign was launched on August 5 by Shah Alam, the founder of the Mahua Dabar Museum, alongside local activists. Campaign posters reading “Honour the hero of Kakori, Thakur Roshan Singh” have been widely distributed throughout the area. Activists argue that the martyr’s place of sacrifice should explicitly bear his name.

The movement has gained political backing, notably from Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar. Statement highlights include:

• Call for Recognition: Rajbhar publicly endorsed the proposal, noting that the historic anniversary of the Kakori Train Action serves as an ideal occasion to make the change.
• Respect for History: He emphasized that the move is meant to honor a martyr rather than disrespect Swaroop Rani Nehru, pointing out that over 40 institutions in Prayagraj already carry the Nehru family name.
• Government Representation: Rajbhar confirmed plans to officially raise the renaming proposal with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Attempts to reach UP Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak for official comment were unsuccessful.

Historical Context of the Kakori Action

On August 9, 1925, members of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)—including Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rajendranath Lahiri, and Thakur Roshan Singh—intercepted a train near Kakori in Lucknow district to seize British government funds to fuel the independence movement. Following their trial, all four revolutionaries were executed by British authorities on December 19, 1927.