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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: A forgotten uprising reimagined: Rana Preet Gill chronicles 'The Ghadar Movement'
The Chandigarh Press Club witnessed the launch of 'The Ghadar Movement', the fifth book by acclaimed author and veterinary officer Rana Preet Gill. Her latest work sheds light on revolutionary movements against British colonialism. The book traces the rise of an international rebellion conceived in 1913 by Indian immigrants in the United States. Led by figures like Lala Har Dayal and Kartar Singh Sarabha, the Ghadarites aimed to incite a mutiny within the British-Indian Army by smuggling arms into India. Though ultimately unsuccessful, the movement left an indelible mark on India's freedom struggle. The book was launched by Rahul Bhandari, IAS, principal secretary to the department of animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries. Present at the launch were Prof Harish Puri and Prof Chaman Lal, retired JNU professor and honorary adviser, Bhagat Singh Archives. Both lauded Gill's effort to document this important yet overlooked chapter in India's revolutionary past. Speaking at the event, Gill said, 'This book is a tribute to the forgotten heroes who dared to dream of a free India from foreign soil. Their courage and sacrifice deserve to be remembered.' 'The Ghadarites may have failed in their mission, but they lit a spark that inspired future revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh. Their story needs to be told and retold,' she added. Known for her previous novels and journalistic writing, Rana Preet Gill brings both passion and precision to her narrative, making 'The Ghadar Movement' a compelling read for history enthusiasts and patriots alike. About the author Rana Preet Gill is a veterinary officer with the animal husbandry department in Punjab. She has authored four books―three novels―Those College Years, The Misadventures of a Vet, Maya and a collection of middles titled Finding Julia. Her articles and short stories have been published in The Tribune, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, The Statesman, The New Indian Express, Deccan Herald, The Hitavada, Daily Post, Women's Era, Commonwealth Writers Journal, Himal and others.
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Journalist-turned-author Jagtar Singh's book traces Sikh struggles over a century
At a time when the Khalistan narrative, pushed by a section of Punjab-origin diaspora , is impacting India's relations with some of the Western countries , it is important to trace its origins. And that's precisely what journalist-turned-author Jagtar Singh's latest book, 'Sikh Struggle Documents 1920 to 2022' does. The book was released at the Chandigarh Press Club on Saturday. Singh, a former political correspondent of the Indian Express, said that the concept of Khalistan first emerged in 1940 as a response to the Pakistan Resolution adopted by the Muslim League. Initially proposed by Dr VS Bhatti of Ludhiana, the idea of an independent Sikh state garnered more attention from Congress than from the Akalis,he added. Jagtar got to witness the rise of militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from close quarters after he was transferred from Chandigarh to Amritsar in 1979. The book contains around 180 documents, including the communication between former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and the then Akali Dal president Sant Harchand Singh Longowal that paved the way for the signing of Rajiv-Longowal Accord in July 1985. These documents have not appeared in the public domain until now. In the present-day scenario, the author says, the Khalistan discourse has significantly strained India's relations with Canada and is seen as an irritant in the context of the United States, particularly following the foiled attempt on the life of Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The author's other books include 'Rivers on Fire – Khalistan Struggle', and 'Kalapani: Punjabis' Role in Freedom Struggle'.
