A mobile photo exhibition ‘Azadi Express,’ that arrived at Mangalore and stationed at Platform No. 3 in Mangalore Railway Station has been drawing a huge audience.
The exhibition on wheels organised to commemorate the 150 years of India’s first freedom struggle, 60 years of Indian Independence and the birth centenary of Shaheed Bhagath Singh — takes the visitor on a journey from the time when India was one of the richest nations of the world, its subjugation, exploitation by the British, the collective spirit of the people that rekindled the need for freedom, the independence and its transformation as a vibrant democracy.
There are 13 coaches on the special train in which 11 coaches display exhibition and one coach has been exclusively reserved for sale of books by Khadi and Village Industries and Gandhi Smrithi Bhavan.
A number of books authored by Mahathma Gandhi and cotton dress materials besides other items are on sale as well as display. This apart, one coach has been arranged with benches for students so that the students can sit and some official can explain to the students about the train and the freedom struggle.
Interestingly, all the coaches have television sets and events of historical significance such as the first address to the nation by Jawaharlal Nehru on the night of Indian Independence among others are displayed. This apart, patriotic songs are continuously played on the train.
Speaking to media persons, Train in-charge Shailesh Phaye said that the resources for the exhibition was provided by the Ministry of Culture while the Ministry of Information & Broadcasing designed the idea and the Ministry of Railways provided the infrastructure.
Each coach has got two volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra.
Circulars to schools
Mr Phaye said that circulars have been sent to all the schools through DDPI and a large number of students are expected to visit the train in the next five days.
Inauguration
Speaking after inaugurating the exhibition on Azadi Express, Deputy Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao said that the train gives a glimpse of some of the wonderful pictures of the last 150 years rekindling the spirit of Indian freedom.
Train route
The train was flagged off by Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh on September 28 at Safdarjang Railway Station in Delhi and Mangalore is its 27th destination. Its next destination will be Kochi.
From there, it will go to Trivendrum, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Chennai and Katpadi before reaching Bangalore.
In fact, the train would cover 70 stations throughout its journey. The train journey will culminate with the last leg from Meerut to Delhi on May 11, 2008.
Free entry
The exhibition will be on display till December 31 between 10 am and 6 pm at Platform No. 3 at Mangalore Railway Station.
The entry is open to the public and is free. To a query, the officials concerned said that the platform ticket too will not be charged for those who are going to visit Azadi Express.