| Ratnappanna Kumbhar (1909-1998) |
| The veteran freedom fighter
and a recipient of the Padmashri was born in the potter family at Nimshirgaon village in
Shirol tehsil. During his youth he was keenly interested in political and social work and
mobilised support under the Praja-parishad banner against the local princely state rulers.
He actively participated in the freedom movement and went underground for about 6 years.
He was on the forefront of an agitation for dissolution of princelystates. After Independence, he became a member of the committee that framed Indian Constitution, later he was elected as an MP in 1952. Between 1962 and 1982 and from 1990 till his death, he represented shirol assembly constituency as an MLA. Between 1974and 1978 he was minister of state for home and civil supplies. He was instrumental in bringing about the industrial and agricultural prosperity of Shirol and Hatkanangle tehsil of Kolhapur. |
