Murli Manohar Jyotishi Acharya, born on 10 June 1906, in Badnagar, Ujjain district, was a prominent figure in India's freedom movement. After completing his studies, he became actively involved in the freedom struggle through the "Rashtra Shringaar Mitra Mandal" in Ujjain. In 1928, he was elected President of the Ujjain District Public Assembly which he established in Badnagar. This organization united local youth to strongly oppose the oppressive policies of the Jagirdars and join the movement against the British colonial rule.
In 1932, Murli Manohar initiated a Khadi store at his home to promote the use of indigenous goods. His leadership led to the burning of foreign goods in a symbolic protest at the Narsingh Mandir Chowk, Badnagar. He also established a Sahitya Bhandar sales centre in Badnagar for distributing books. As a journalist, he published national news across various newspapers, including Akhand Bharat of Mumbai, Tyag Bhoomi of Ajmer, Karmaveer of Khandwa, Veer Arjun of Delhi and Jayaji Pratap of Gwalior.
On 18 September 1939, Murli Manohar faced a criminal case for spreading discontent and publishing sensational news. Despite facing multiple legal challenges, he continued to fight bravely. In 1942, responding to Mahatma Gandhi's call to "Do or Die," he led a tanga strike and orchestrated vandalism at the railway station in Badnagar. An arrest warrant was issued against him, but he evaded the police and continued to energize the movement from the shadows.
As a royal astrologer in the Badnagar area, associated with the Gwalior State, Murli Manohar incurred the wrath of the Jagirdars. He was also a member of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee and contributed to the nation's service in the capacity of a political activist.
Pandit Murli Manohar Jyotishi Acharya’s name is mentioned on page number 152 of the book "Vandan" published by Janparishad regarding the freedom fighters of Madhya Pradesh.
Source: Tikeshwar Prasad Gajpal, Contributor for CCRT.