Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

 

August 15 is celebrated across India as Independence Day, but for the people of Himachal Pradesh, this day has another significance. It marks the beginning of the apple harvest season, a crop that has transformed the region's economy. At the heart of this revolution lies an extraordinary tale of an American man who, more than a century ago, sowed the seeds of a horticultural empire in the hills of Himachal. His name? Samuel Stokes, or as he later came to be known, Satyanand Stokes.

A Spiritual Quest That Changed Himachal Forever

In 1904, a 22-year-old Stokes arrived in India from the United States on a spiritual quest. A member of the Quakers, a Christian religious movement, he initially came as a missionary, but fate had different plans. He soon found himself deeply immersed in the life of the local people, particularly those in the Shimla region, where poverty and illness were rampant.

Seeing the hardships faced by the people of Himachal, Stokes decided to settle in the hills. He married a local woman and embraced the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reformist movement. In 1932, he officially converted to Hinduism, adopting the name Satyanand. But Stokes was not just a spiritual figure—he was a visionary who transformed the region’s economy through apple cultivation.

The Birth of the Apple Revolution in Himachal

In 1916, Stokes brought apple saplings from America and planted them in Barubag, a small village in the Thanedar Panchayat of Kotgarh, about 80 km northeast of Shimla. At that time, the region had no significant cash crops, and the people struggled to make a living. Stokes realized that apple farming could provide a sustainable income for the locals.

He didn’t just grow apples himself; he shared his knowledge and encouraged others to follow suit. His efforts bore fruit—literally. Over the next century, apple cultivation spread across Himachal Pradesh, and today the state is known as the "Apple State" of India. From a small beginning, apple production now spans 8-9 of the state's 12 districts, including Shimla, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi, and Lahaul-Spiti.

Himachal’s Apple Economy Today

The apple varieties that Stokes introduced, including the Royal Delicious, remain some of the most prized apples in the region. Today, the apple industry in Himachal is worth approximately ₹5,000 - ₹5,500 crore annually, and millions of families rely on apple farming for their livelihoods. The orchards that once dotted only a few villages have now spread to almost every hillside, enriching the state's economy and turning many apple farmers into millionaires.

Stokes' Contribution to India’s Freedom Struggle

Beyond his contribution to agriculture, Stokes played a significant role in India’s fight for independence. He was deeply moved by the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919, which strengthened his resolve to join the freedom movement. In 1920, he became the first and only American to sign the Congress manifesto urging Indians to leave government service and join the independence struggle.

His protests against British colonial policies earned him imprisonment, making him one of the few foreigners jailed during the freedom movement. He even participated in the 1920 Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress, representing the Kotgarh region. His arrest for protesting the visit of the Prince of Wales to India drew international attention, and even Mahatma Gandhi praised Stokes' unique contribution to the cause.

A Legacy of Faith and Farming

Stokes' commitment to India wasn’t just political or agricultural. He built the Paramjyoti Temple on his estate in Thanedar, reflecting his deep spiritual transformation. His life, blending American roots with Indian values, left an indelible mark on Himachal Pradesh. Although he passed away in 1946, just a year before India gained independence, his legacy lives on in the orchards that cover the state's hillsides.

Unsung Hero: The Forgotten Stokes

Despite his significant contributions, Satyanand Stokes remains a largely forgotten figure outside Himachal Pradesh. Few people know that the man who transformed Himachal into an apple-growing powerhouse was also deeply involved in India’s freedom movement. His portrait hangs in the Nehru Memorial Museum in New Delhi, but no major commemorations, stamps, or institutions honor his memory at a national level. The apple trees surrounding his Harmony Hall estate in Thanedar are perhaps the only living testament to his legacy.

Major Apple-Producing Regions in Himachal Pradesh

Today, apple cultivation is a cornerstone of Himachal's economy. Some of the major apple-producing regions in the state include:

• Kotgarh, Kotkhai, Rohru, and Chaupal in Shimla district
• Kullu and Kinnaur districts
• Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Mandi districts
• Nauhradhar and Haripurdhar areas in Sirmaur district
• Bada Bhangal and Chota Bhangal areas in Kangra district

Interestingly, even districts with warmer climates, like Bilaspur, are experimenting with apple farming, growing apples at temperatures as high as 40°C, showing the resilience and adaptability of this crop.

The Man Who Gave Himachal a Taste of Freedom

Satyanand Stokes’ story is one of dedication, vision, and love for the people of Himachal Pradesh. His introduction of apple farming not only transformed the region economically but also empowered its people, giving them a source of pride and independence. As we celebrate India's independence every year, let us also remember the remarkable man who gave Himachal its apples—and, in a way, its own taste of freedom.