“Contrary to  popular belief, India’s independence was not due to non-violence. It was in fact due to the efforts of leaders like Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose,” said AIDSO State Secretary V N Rajashekhar.
He was speaking at the valedictory function of the Bhagat Singh birth centenary jointly organised in the city by AIDSO, AIDYO and Akhila Bharatha Mahila Samskruthi Sanghatane here on Wednesday. Students from various schools, PU colleges and degree colleges had attended the function.
He regretted that the present generation did not know about Bhagat Singh. He cited instances where AIDSO had held rallies recently in Bangalore and children had come up to him asking him who Bhagat Singh was. “There are so many people who do not know about Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose,” he added. He also said that the portayal of these leaders was most untrue. “They have been portrayed as terrorists, so that the present generations do not learn more and emulate them,” he said. Bhagat Singh is quoted as a symbol of revolt, he added. He also quoted instances where people use the names of freedom fighters just to obtain publicity, which he said was equally wrong.
Criticising the setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZ), he said that such a plan was only in the interest of bureacrats and farmers lands are usurped in the process. He pointed out that more importantly these were real estate schemes and employment in the SEZs catered only to some sectors. Around 20 crore persons live on just Rs 12 a day, while others spend Rs 20 for just parking fare, he regretted.
Speaking about the present donation and capitation fee rates at colleges, he said that commercialisation of education had reached such a situation that only a few could afford it. “Take time from your routines to think about the country, and its needs,” he urged the students.
AIMSS District President P S Sandhya, AIDSO District President B Ravi and AIDYO District Secretary M Uma Devi were present.