Satyanand Stokes, born Samuel Evans Stokes Jr. on August 16, 1882, in Florida, USA, is remembered for his profound impact on Indian agriculture, especially in Himachal Pradesh. While most people know him for introducing apple cultivation in the region, his life was also deeply intertwined with India’s fight for independence. Stokes’ journey from an American businessman’s son to a key figure in India’s independence movement and agriculture is truly inspiring.
Satyanand Stokes: The Man Who Revolutionized Apple Cultivation in Shimla
Introduction
Name: Satyanand Stokes (born Samuel Evans Stokes Jr.)
Born: 16 August 1882, Florida, USA
Notable Contribution: Introduced apple cultivation to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, significantly transforming the region’s economy and agriculture.
Early Life and Background
Family: Born to a wealthy businessman father who founded Stokes and Parish Machine Company.
Disinterest in Family Business: Despite the family’s business success, Samuel was uninterested in taking over and felt a calling to serve people.
Move to India (1904): At the age of 22, Samuel moved to India to work in a leprosy colony in Subathu, Shimla, against his parents’ wishes.
Reason: The job brought him joy, and he was driven by a sense of service.
Respect from Locals: His dedication to helping leprosy patients earned him great respect from the local community.
A New Life in Kotgarh
Marriage: In 1912, Samuel married Agnes, a woman from the local area. After their marriage, they relocated to Kotgarh, a peaceful village situated in Shimla, where they settled down to start their life together.
Land Purchase: Samuel bought a piece of farmland using an inheritance from his father and began farming.
Family Growth: The couple had seven children during their time in Kotgarh.
Intellectual Pursuits: Stokes also authored several books, including The Historical Character of the Gospels (1913), where he defended the historical accuracy of the Gospels and Christ’s crucifixion.
Introduction of Apple Cultivation (1916)
Innovation: In 1916, Stokes introduced a variety of apples developed by the Stark Brothers of Louisiana, USA, to the hilly terrain of Shimla.
Reason for Success: This apple variety was well-suited to the region’s climate and soil.
Resulting Impact: The cultivation of apples resulted in bumper crops.
Economic Impact: The success of apple farming inspired other farmers in the region to follow suit, leading to the rise of apple farming as a major industry.
International Connections: Stokes worked with European exporters in Delhi to take apples to the international market, helping the local economy thrive.
Spiritual Transformation
Personal Tragedy: In the early 1930s, Samuel’s son Tara died of amoebic dysentery.
Shift to Hinduism: After experiencing this deep loss, Samuel began to search for spiritual meaning and turned his attention towards Hinduism. In 1932, he completely accepted the faith and changed his name to Satyananda. His wife, Agnes, also joined him on this spiritual journey and took the name Priyadevi, marking their shared commitment to their new beliefs.
Involvement in India’s Freedom Struggle
Political Activism: Stokes joined the All India Congress Committee (AICC), becoming the only American member.
Collaboration with Indian Leaders: He worked closely with leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai.
Advocacy for Independence: Stokes supported the Indian independence movement and was arrested in 1921 for sedition, becoming the only American to be imprisoned by the British during this period.
Gandhi’s Praise: Mahatma Gandhi praised Stokes for his commitment to India’s freedom, highlighting his deep connection with the Indian cause despite being a foreigner.
Later Years and Death
Death: Satyanand Stokes passed away on 14 May 1946, just months before India gained independence.
Legacy: His contributions to apple cultivation and the independence movement left a lasting impact on India.
