It is time to acknowledge and honour the countless unsung heroes of the Indian freedom movement. Thousands gave their lives for the nation’s Independence but unfortunately only a few get talked about.
Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Chandrashekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh are some who are part of the collective memory but there are several whom the country has virtually forgotten.
It was to resurrect their contribution and devotion during the struggle for freedom that Shaheed-e-Azam Society (SAS-HRD), an organisation working towards the revival of lost heroes, celebrated the 106th birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh on September 28 at LTG auditorium. The exhibition-cum-dance programme highlighting at least 100 little known freedom fighters and their roles, brought back memories of pre-Independence era.
Besides photographs, the exhibition also included biographies of those who are little known.
Talking about the objective of the society, Pradeep Deshwal, President of Shaheed-e-Azam Society, mentioned that “the sole motive was to present the lives of the freedom fighters to children who are unaware of the sacrifices that they made. We wanted to instill some knowledge about those heroes who haven’t got any credit for their bravery. I was really proud to see such a huge crowd turnout at the exhibition and I am sure this unique initiative will help revive their contribution.”
Kiran Jeet Singh Sindhu, Bhagat Singh’s nephew, was also part of the celebrations and was pleased to see such tremendous response. He also expressed his joy at the initiative. “Freedom is a combined result of the efforts and sacrifices made by hundreds and thousands of freedom fighters. But there are so many of them whose names lie buried and youngsters of today’s era are not even familiar with their work. They are either buried in pages of history or hidden away in books. So, this event aimed at highlighting their sacrifices, as also paying them a tribute.”
The sacrifice made by Bhagat Singh is incomparable and few challenge his contribution. Such was the force of his extraordinary persona that he remains to this day a tour de force for modern India. A mere mention of his name still possesses the muscle to inspire and mobilise crowds into doing something that is selfless and far-reaching.
Pradeep further added, “Nowadays, we only find posters of film stars and cricketers in our rooms. Earlier the freedom fighters occupied those slots. Role models and priorities have changed.”
Shaheed-e-Azam society seeks to realise the dreams of a truly empowered and independent nation by spreading value-based education and instilling a keen sense of national service amongst the neglected and the deprived too.