Gandhian waits for pension in vain

Babu Master was born in 1915 at Mallar near Kaup. He entered into freedom struggle on June 1, 1924.

Between 1924 and 1934, he was actively involved in the freedom struggle.

In fact, he along with Panje Mangesharaya created awareness among the people on charaka and handloom by visiting houses in Mangalore.

In 1928, he with Mangesharaya spread the message of freedom and Gandhian policy in Udupi.

He also took part in salt movement at Sulthan Battery. However, when the family’s responsibility fell on him, he joined teaching profession.

He had served as teacher at Kaup, Pangala, Innanje, Puttur, Padupanambur and other places.

Unfortunately, he was deprived of freedom fighters’ pension as he was not imprisoned. The Union government had different pension packages for those involved in the freedom struggle and for those who were imprisoned.

Though he started receiving the freedom fighters’ pension for few years, it stopped for technical reasons.

However, now Babu Master is solely dependent on his pension (for being a teacher).
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) had identified him as the recipient of a dealership of their petrol bunk in Udupi district. However, as he could not raise money for the petrol bunk, the deal was cancelled.

“Continous struggle and sacrifice brought us independence. Unfortunately, the Independence have become only a celebration. Many do not have respect towards this hard earned freedom. The path followed by the youths and politicians are really disturbing,” he opines.