Mohammad Ghouse Baig

MOHAMMAD GHOUSE BAIG

Date of Birth: 12^th September, 1885 and Date of Death: 19^th September, 1976

            Mohammad Ghouse Baig, who played an active role in ‘Chirala-Perala’ struggle, which went on as a part of Indian National Movement in Andhra Pradesh was born on 12^th September, 1885 in Gantayapalem village, Chirala mandal in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, in a wealthy family.  His father was Haji Mohiuddin Baig mother Fatima.  He entered into the Freedom Movement in 1907, when he was a student.  Baig attended the All India Congress Session in 1920 at Calcutta along with Duggirala Gopalakrishnaiah, who was the leader of the famous Chirala-Perala Movement of Andhra Pradesh.  The British government merged Chirala and Perala villages into a municipality and imposed heavy taxes on the people, which led to the revolt by the people.  Baig, who opposed the heavy taxes levied, participated in the Tax non payment movement and financially helped the suffering people.  He also took part in Khilafat and Non Cooperation movement, for which he was imprisoned.  He led the ‘Ramadandu’ force, formed by Duggirala Gopalakrishnaiah.  Mohammad Ghouse Baig led the youth, who participated in the Salt Satyagraha in 1930-1932.  He was arrested for participating in the Civil disobedience movement.  His properties were seized by the British government.  Mohammad Ghouse and his wife faced several woes for their active role in the Indian National Movement, but they never lost confidence.  They wore Khadi till their end, and helped the Khadi movement to spread into villages under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.  Mohammad Ghouse Baig being a good orator, inspired the people with his patriotic speeches in the meeting held in Guntur and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh.  He actively participated in the movements without fear of arrest and harassment by the British.  He strongly opposed the divisive theory of the All India Muslim League.  He warned about the dangers of the divisive theory of the League.  He worked for the harmony between Hindus and Muslims.  He was elected as a Municipal Councillor in 1947 for a brief period.  Later, he dedicated himself for the programmes meant to improve the communal harmony.  Mohammad Ghouse Baig, who was a dedicated leader and worked for the Hindu-Muslim unity and freedom of the people, passed away on 19^th September, 1976.