L.S. Bhatkar

Early Life

L.S. Bhatkar was born in the village of Thugaon, Amraoti (now Anravati), Maharashtra in 1901. He studied at the Neill City High School, Nagpur, and the Depressed Classes Mission High School, Bombay.  

Not much else is known about Bhaktar’s early life. That said, a source indicates that he enjoyed swimming and gardening.  

Role in India’s Independence Movement

Bhatkar actively participated in India’s freedom struggle. He was imprisoned by the British for taking part in the Satyagraha Movement and later detained for his involvement in various other political movements. 

He campaigned against untouchability and worked for the empowerment of harijan and other backward communities. He was the Secretary of the Shri Chokhamela Hostel at Chikhli – a hostel established in 1921 for harijan students and a member of various social reform societies that engaged tackled caste discrimination. These included the Satyasodhak Samaj (Truth Seeker’s Society) and the Prarthana Samaj (Prayer Society).

Bhaktar was a member of the District Council of Buldana for 18 years and the Berar Legislative Committee. He was elected as the Vice-President of the Municipal Committee of Chikhli (1933) and a member of the Central Provinces and Berar Legislative Assembly (1937-1942). 

Contribution to Constitution Making

Bhatkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from the Central Provinces and Berar through a Congress Party ticket. He was not an active participant in the Assembly.

Later Contributions

Bhatkar was a member of India’s Provincial Parliament, however, not much is known about his life after independence.