Latest news with #FirstWarofIndependence
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Holding my father's fingers
My father would sometimes take me out with him when I was growing up. Perhaps in earlier times, this was a common practice. However, these are 'digital times' where emotions have been kept in the backburner. What was the reason for him to do so? Maybe to show the world outside or just an outing, I cannot say. But I remember my father in many ways, and one such is when I accompanied him holding his fingers! My earliest memory is when he took me to Lansdowne on vacation from Allahabad. I had spent my childhood in Lansdowne. It was a happy childhood with my brother and the large family. My grandfather edited a newspaper from there, and his mother (my great-grandmother) was alive and active then. We brothers received so much love from her and from our grandfather, uncles and aunts, neighbours; our memories are full of joyful days of that period. We have plenty of photos in our album of those times in 'Subedar Mohalla', which gives happiness still. Therefore, my visit called back those times, and I could relate to that place — the church which housed a school where I studied, the park which was my favourite place, the bazaar and chocolate burfi of Kanhaiyalal. Since then, we brothers go regularly to Lansdowne to look at our rented house opposite the park in the small and calm cantonment town. My father had plenty of tales to tell about Jim Corbett and his hunting expeditions. These formed part of the bedtime stories, and he would relate the story with much action and the roar of the tiger, etc. I took from him and would tell the stories to my children in a similar manner. In the sixties, he managed a van and took us to Corbett National Park, and the sight of an elephant herd chasing our dark grey van still excites me. Later, I would read books by Corbett and found him to be a wonderful writer — The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag is among his best works. Corbett National Park has remained my favourite sojourn and retreat, much to the reluctance of my wife and children, who insist on exploring new sanctuaries. Though I have not yet sighted a tiger, I prevail that where in India would you find such tall trees, thick forest, a river flowing, and the largest number of tigers! Allahabad was a city of intellectuals, writers, leaders and lawyers. It also boasts of some of the finest bungalows of the colonial era. Civil Lines area, with broad parallel roads and sprawling residences, was created by the British after the 'First War of Independence' of 1857 by perishing five villages. My first experience of visiting one such bungalow was with my father, who took me to the residence of one Mr. Tiwari, senior advocate near Thornhill Road. A well-kept lawn and garden with a wide variety of plants and flowers and two German Shepherd dogs! This was in the late sixties, and the multi-storey ingress was lurking in the corner! I could experience some satisfaction when I stayed in a bungalow in Katari Bagh, Wellington Island, Kochi during my Navy days! My father would every year order a box (peti) of apples from Chobatia near Ranikhet, Kumaon, which the family looked forward to and relished. He would also distribute some to his friends and associates, and I would often accompany him. The happiness on his face as he handed over the fruits, mentioning with pride about the quality of the fruits from the hills, makes me smile still. Fruit culture is prevalent in hills, and often we would take fruits with us to gift to friends instead of sweets. Train journeys in older times were enjoyable — getting down at remote stations and looking for vendors for tea and local snacks. Some stations are famous still for their unique items, such as 'Sandile ke Laddu' and 'Shankargarh ka Peda'. The reading culture was much prevalent, and before boarding the train, one would buy the latest magazines and newspapers from the countrywide present 'Wheeler's Book Shop'. These were exchanged with the fellow passengers, and on occasions, some interesting discussion would also take place. I recollect one such journey when I purchased, among other publications, the latest copy of the Blitz weekly newspaper, edited by the legendary editor Rusi Karanjia, who was among the earliest to carry out investigative stories. The last page of the paper was always written by the famous writer and filmmaker Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. My father would read many newspapers, and he had told me that he improved his English by reading the English dailies aloud. I too would do the same and, during vacations, would read to my grandfather, who was surrounded by newspapers, magazines and periodicals. That edition of Blitz carried the cover story from cover to cover — it was a special edition on Independence Day. It carried in detail various ideas to make our country 'Great' and consisted of numerous micro and macro suggestions. My father first quickly read the paper and then I read the same, and we agreed that it was a good article, and I clarified some aspects from father. As was the practice, we kept the copy for many days to be shared with other family members and friends. Father possessed a small library from his student days, and books with titles — Light of Asia by Edwin Arnold, Inqilab by K. A. Abbas, Glimpses of World History by Nehru — are retained in me. We brothers too maintain our libraries! Once I accompanied my father to 'Institute of Gandhian Thought and Peace' near Allahabad University. There was some discussion and Z. A. Ahmad, the famous leftist leader and Rajya Sabha member, was also expected. I was among the youngest in the meeting, and among others was Mr. Mulla, the famous senior advocate of Allahabad High Court, and Zia-ul-Haq, the local Communist Party leader. Though Dr. Z. A. Ahmad did not arrive, there was a lively discussion and repartee, and Mr. Mulla was highly critical of the new policy of the government regarding adult education. He said that how does one expect a poor rickshaw-walla to attend classes after a hard day's work! Participating in discussions was much sober in those times! When I joined university, along with my friends, we joined the weekly club 'Elysium' headed by the genial Dutta Sahab, the editor of Northern India Patrika for many years. His nephew, Ranjit Dutta, was my friend. The meetings were held in Barnetts Hotel in Civil Lines, run by the Dutta family, and we were served tea. Many eminent personalities would visit our meetings and talk to us; among them were the famous Justice Markandeya Katju, who was a lawyer at that time and was very popular among students. There are some people whom we cherish lifelong, and one such person was Dr. V. S. Narvane, Professor of Philosophy at the Allahabad University and later visiting professor in US universities. He had taught my father and formed a lifelong association with him and our family. My father took me to him, and I was immensely impressed by his thinking, knowledge and the beautiful house adjacent to Circuit House which he built. His study consisted of a wide variety of books, and I would borrow them sometimes. He wrote in simple, lucid style, reminding me of the style of Hemingway and Nehru. He wrote books on philosophy, culture and literature. Once, he lectured us in the 'Elysium' on 'Indian and Western Art', and there was an overwhelming response in the manner and fluidity of his narration from all of us. Holding my father's fingers unwittingly, I imbibed so much that I could face the world confidently. Sadly, he left us so suddenly and early, depriving me of my duty to hold his hand in old age! Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ferozepur fort showcasing Sikh military legacy opens for public after 200 years
(Photo: X) NEW DELHI: In a move to promote heritage tourism and reconnect locals with the region's military legacy, the Army's Golden Arrow Division has opened the historic Ferozepur Fort to the public for the first time in over two centuries. The fort is located near the Indo-Pakistan border and was inaugurated by the Army as part of a broader initiative to preserve national heritage and encourage responsible tourism in border areas. 'The reopening of Ferozepur Fort not only reconnects the region with its storied past but also reaffirms its identity as a symbol of valour, resilience and national pride, firmly placing it on Punjab's cultural and heritage tourism map,' said Major General R S Manral, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Golden Arrow Division. Describing its strategic importance, Major General Manral added, 'Strategically positioned near the Indo-Pakistan border, Ferozepur Fort is a remarkable example of 19th-century military architecture from the Sikh empire.' He also highlighted the fort's unique hexagonal structure and robust defensive features as examples of 'strategic ingenuity of its time.' Ferozepur Fort has a rich and layered history. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Once a key outpost in the Sikh empire's frontier defence network, the fort was converted into a British garrison in 1839 on the orders of the Duke of Wellington. Later, in 1858, the British repurposed it into a major arsenal, establishing facilities such as a powder magazine, dry gun cotton store, and ammunition depots. The site played a critical role during the First War of Independence in 1857 and served as the mother depot for weapons, trained animals, and logistics. At its peak, the fort housed 10,000 bullocks, an equal number of horses, and over 150 camels. Its role as an arsenal continued until 1941, when the British relocated ammunition to Kasubegu during World War II. Brigadier Bikram Singh, Station Commander, emphasised the fort's emotional and historical significance. 'Ferozepur holds a special place in India's freedom movement, having produced numerous martyrs and revolutionaries who bravely resisted colonial rule,' he said. 'This fort and its surroundings have borne witness to pivotal historical events, which continue to symbolise national pride and sacrifice. ' The reopening is expected to boost tourism in Punjab and also educate visitors on India's military past and the independence movement.
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
Historic Ferozepur Fort In Punjab Opened For Public After 200 Years
Ferozepur: In an initiative to boost tourism and align the local populace with the military heritage in this border region, the Army's Golden Arrow Division has opened the historic two-century-old Ferozepur Fort to the public. It is for the first time in over 200 years that this significant architectural and historical site has been made accessible to the public. The move reaffirms the government's commitment to preserve national heritage and promote responsible border tourism, said Major General R S Manral, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Golden Arrow Division. "Strategically positioned near the Indo-Pakistan border, Ferozepur Fort is a remarkable example of 19th-century military architecture from the Sikh empire" said the GOC, adding that its unique hexagonal design and robust defensive features showcase the strategic ingenuity of its time. "The reopening of Ferozepur Fort not only reconnects the region with its storied past but also reaffirms its identity as a symbol of valour, resilience and national pride, firmly placing it on Punjab's cultural and heritage tourism map," said Major General Manral. Brig Bikram Singh, Station Commander, said Ferozepur holds a special place in India's freedom movement, having produced numerous martyrs and revolutionaries who bravely resisted colonial rule. This fort and its surroundings have borne witness to pivotal historical events, which continue to symbolise national pride and sacrifice, he added. Once a critical outpost in the Sikh empire frontier defence network, the fort holds enduring tales of courage and resistance and also features prominently in narratives of the First War of Independence in 1857. This fort was converted into a British Garrison in 1839 under the instructions of the Duke of Wellington. Later, the British converted this fort into an arsenal (Weapon Store) in 1858 and subsequently, the dry gun cotton store, the powder magazine and ammunition stores were also constructed here. This fort served as the mother depot for the supply of guns, ammunition, trained horses and bullocks. About 10,000 bullocks and as many horses and even 150 camels were tethered at any time in this fort. The fort continued to play the role of arsenal till 1941, when the ammunition was shifted to Kasubegu as a tactical move by the British at the beginning of World War-II.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ambala prepares to unveil memorial honouring 1857's freedom fighters
After nearly two decades of delays and political hurdles, the memorial dedicated to the 1857 First War of Independence is nearing completion along National Highway 44 in Ambala Cantonment. Sprawled across 22 acres and built at a cost of ₹600 crore, the grand structure has been named 'Azadi Ki Pehli Ladai Ka Shaheedi Samarak.' Ambala's role in 1857 uprising Backed by the research of the late Professor KC Yadav, a prominent historian who unearthed key British documents, the Haryana government asserts that the 1857 revolt actually began in Ambala Cantonment—not Meerut as widely believed. According to Yadav's work, regiments stationed in Ambala initiated the rebellion on the morning of May 10, hours before the uprising in Meerut. His findings are documented in his book The Revolt of 1857 in Haryana. Vision becomes reality after years of delay The idea for the memorial was first conceived in the early 2000s by senior BJP leader and local MLA Anil Vij, who persisted with the proposal through successive governments. Despite initial support from the then Congress government under Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the foundation stone ceremony was postponed twice. It was only after the BJP came to power in Haryana that progress was made. The foundation was finally laid by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar in May 2015, and construction began in December 2018. Some of the highlights of the memorial are the lotus-shaped tower, open-air theatre, a few of the total 22 galleries, audio-visual galleries and other highlights of the memorial. The Samarak also houses a library, helipad for VVIP visitors, exhibition hall, children's park, a huge cafeteria and food court, and underground parking facility for 400 vehicles. 'The memorial will be a true homage to those who fought against the British rule and were punished, killed or even hanged to trees till dead,' Anil Vij, a seventh-term MLA, said. Inauguration likely by PM Modi Memorial director Kuldeep Saini said that a section is also dedicated to a collection of clay (mitti) from 20 places in India, where the revolution also broke out. 'The memorial is expected to be completed by August. We will also hire nearly 35 guides for the visitors and foreign delegates. A total of 100 short films of different durations are also being prepared. We will seek time from the prime minister's office for the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' he added.
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Madrastul Uloom: The AMU's precursor counts Manto, Khwaja Abbas, Javed Akhtar, Lala Amarnath among its alumni
An elementary school in a nondescript city, with just a dozen students, received the nod from the then-Viceroy, Lord Northbrook (1826-1901), to lay its foundation. The first educational endeavour soon developed into a hub of intellectual and cultural activity. The school evolved into the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College (1877) and then became a central university in 1920, leaving an indelible mark on India's educational, literary, and cultural landscape. The institution's first student, Enayat Ullah, rose to become the chief justice of the Nizam's State of Hyderabad. Founded on May 24, 1875, by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Madrastul Uloom marked the beginning of a transformative journey. It was rechristened as Minto Circle and then Syedna Tahir Saifuddin School. Notwithstanding its evolution as a university, the school continues to function till this day. Over the decades, the school produced notable alumni, including Sadat Hasan Manto, Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, Irfan Habib, Mushirul Hasan, Hamid Ansari, Talat Mehmood, Saeed Jaffrey, Javed Akhtar, Lala Amarnath, Zafar Iqbal, among many others. Despite the devastation brought about by the First War of Independence, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's determination and resilience shone through. His dream of an education and a reformed strategy for improving the lives of beleaguered Indians led to the establishment of the Scientific Society in 1864. It resolved to translate essential books related to physical science, engineering, and world history into the Urdu language. He also formed a committee to disseminate education among Muslims. The committee organised an essay competition advocating for the establishment of a college to provide modern education. This prompted Sir Syed to form another committee, the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College Fund Committee, in 1872. The committee resolved to establish a separate elementary school that would provide both modern secular and religious education through the medium of English and Urdu. The school's prescribed syllabus was comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of subjects, including English, Urdu, Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, Latin, Literature, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Mineralogy, Animal physiology, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith studies, and Islamic creed. A committee of the directors of instruction in the vernacular language learning featuring prominent scholars and literary stalwarts such as WH Smith, J Elliot, Professor Zakaullah (Professor of Mathematics, Muir College, Allahabad), Mr Obaidullah Obaidi (superintendent, Dhaka College), Altaf Hussain Haali ( Professor, Anglo Arabic College, Delhi), Mohammad Hussain Azad, Moulvi Chiragh Ali, and Syed Hussain Bilgrami, Syed Mahmood, Rakshan Nawan Mohammad Zia uddin among others. Mr William Muir, the Financial Minister of the Legislative Council of India, Mr E Deighton, Principal of Agra College, and Sir Syed were chosen as the honorary president, president, and vice president, respectively. A 25-member fundraising committee was also constituted, symbolising the collective effort and shared responsibility in the school's establishment. Sir Syed was the first to contribute Rs 500. The Viceroy, Lord Northbrook, gave a personal donation of Rs 10,000. The Nawab of Rampur doled out Rs 30,000 cash and promissory notes worth Rs 30,000, yielding an annual income of Rs 1,200. Maharaja Patiala provided Rs 13,000 in cash and a recurring grant of Rs 1,888 annually. John Strachey (1823-1907), the Lieutenant Governor of the north-western province, donated Rs 1000; Salar Jung announced an annual award of Rs 3600. Nizam Hyderabad contributed Rs 2000 cash and a monthly grant of Rs 400. Remarkably, a staggering amount of over four lakh rupees was collected before the school's inauguration. On how the collection was started, Sir Syed shared an amusing anecdote, 'I distinctly recall the day when I saw a green colour Imam Zamin (an arm band tied with some money on the right hand of a person when he undertakes a journey. The offering is made in the name of Imam Ali ibn Moosa Raza(765-818), the eighth Imam of the Twelver Shia sect of Islam, the guarantor of safe travel. Upon completing the journey, the money is donated to the needy, but the charity cannot be given to the Syeds), around the arm of my friend. I asked for the money, though I am a Syed, he was hesitant, then I wondered, Is there anyone more destitute than Muslims? Does any committee other than the MAO College Fund Committee lay claim to it? My words moved him, and I got the green band. When I loosened it, I found one rupee and two Mansoori paisa (coins of the Jodhpur state). It was the first contribution, and the pious money triggered donations; the fund accumulated to nearly 4.50 lakhs. We have decided to spend 979 rupees per month on the school.' Despite his widespread adoration, Sir Syed is often criticised for his focus on the educational, social, and political empowerment of the upper class of Muslims, which some argue led to the neglect of the lower classes. Some scholars use selective quotes, especially from his writings on the 1857 revolt where he used harsh and impolite words for weavers. They accused him of having a feudal mindset and showing a marked disdain for the underprivileged. However, Sir Syed's much-talked-about feudal and biased mindset seems to wane when he took the first step to ameliorate Muslims by setting up a school. The opening ceremony bears testimony to his benevolence and generosity. The Aligarh Institute Gazette (May 28, 1875) published a special supplement on the inauguration ceremony. The school was started with 12 students, and contrary to popular perception, not all of them belonged to the affluent class. Introducing the students, Sir Syed said, 'Two poor students from Azamgarh have reached here. One of them had lost his parents recently, and the parents of the second were alive.' School fees remain fixed, but a concession can be given to those in need; however, Sir Syed went beyond this. He devised the fee structure, making affordability its core. A graded fee structure was introduced, with a range of one to five rupees. A poor student could pay one rupee. It prompted many students from low-income backgrounds to join the school. The school purchased a large vehicle for ferrying students from impoverished backgrounds living in the city. Sir Syed used the metaphor of the two eyes of a beautiful bride to represent the Hindu and the Muslim, and he employed this expression at the inauguration ceremony. He said, 'Two communities live in India, and if one is progressing and the other goes down, then its beautiful face will turn black. The charm of the bride's face lies in her two pretty, illuminating eyes.' (Shafey Kidwai is the director of Sir Syed Academy, Aligarh Muslim University, and the author of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Reason, Religion, Nation)
