Sarat Chandra Sinha - The Barefoot Chief Minister Of Assam
About Sarat Chandra Sinha - The Barefoot Chief Minister Of Assam
Born on January 1, 1914, in Bhakatpara village (Chapar, Dhubri district), into a Rajbanshi farmer family, Sarat Chandra Sinha attended his village school and then Bilasipara’s Indra Narayan Academy—walking or cycling 25 km daily to reach school.
His father, Lalsingh Sinha, taught him arithmetic through creative lessons involving footprints to the market. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Cotton College, Guwahati, and a law degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Teaching Career & Gandhian Principles
He briefly practiced law in Guwahati before embracing a teaching career. Sinha taught science at rural schools, eventually becoming headmaster at Birjhora High School (Bongaigaon) and Chapar High School (Dhubri) during 1942–52. A devout Gandhian, he embraced khadi and taught students to make paper from straw.
Political Journey & Chief Ministership
Sinha’s political career began unexpectedly: elected to the Dhubri local board in 1945, later contesting the 1946 Assam Legislative Assembly election—in which he demonstrated fiscal honesty by returning unused campaign funds. He served multiple terms in the assembly. In 1972, he became Chief Minister of Assam, serving until 1978. His tenure was marked by significant contributions such as establishing Gauhati Medical College & Hospital and the Bongaigaon Refinery, promoting Panchayati Raj, land reforms, and cooperative movements.
Leadership Style & Legacy
Renowned for honesty, simplicity, and integrity, Sinha earned the nickname “barefoot CM.” Anecdotes underscore his modest life—traveling in third-class railway carriages to party sessions and walking barefoot through town. He symbolized value-based politics and grassroots leadership.
Family & Passing
Sinha passed away on December 25, 2005, at the age of 91, in Guwahati—survived by his wife, Labanya, two sons, and three daughters.
Memorials & Enduring Influence
A statue in Dhubri-unveiled during his birth centenary celebrations—and a memorial cultural complex at his birthplace preserve his legacy. His bust at Bongaigaon Refinery commemorates his instrumental role in its establishment. Assam’s Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described him as an “embodiment of truth, honesty & simplicity” during the unveiling of a life-size statue at Chapar’s Ratnapith College.