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The Wire
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
Delhi: Exhibition on India's Freedom Struggle Celebrates Inclusive Nationalism and Women Freedom Fighters
S.N. Sahu At a time when India's history is being distorted by the Modi regime, the exhibition celebrates the roles played by Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people of other religious persuasions in freeing India from colonial rule. ' Hamaara Itihaas – Archives of Freedom Fighters', the exhibition organised and curated by Sagari Chhabra, is quite fascinating and captures the saga of freedom struggle and its manifold aspects. Organised at the Art Gallery, Kamaladevi Complex, India International Centre, 40 Max Mueller Marg in Delhi, it is open for public viewing from August 9, 2025, and will run till August 23, 2025. The defining aspects of the exhibition is centered around the role of women freedom fighters in different phases of our struggle for independence. First provisional government of India It is tragic that India's history is being distorted by the Modi regime, and the Moghul period is being depicted in NCERT books as brutal, in negation of the historical accounts showing the commonalities of people of that period, regardless of faiths they pursued. It is in this context that the exhibition assumes significance, for it celebrates the roles played by Hindus, Muslims, Christians and people of other religious persuasions in freeing India from colonial rule. It is educative that the exhibition, while explaining the commencement of the first war of independence in India in 1857, and some of the struggles preceding that, explores details of the lesser known first provisional government of independent India, established in 1915 in Afghanistan by Maharaja Mahendra Pratap. A respected figure of our history, he followed an inclusive approach and it was evident from the very composition of that government, of which he was the President, Maulana Barkatullah, the prime minister, and Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi, the home minister. The objective of the provisional government was to liberate India from British rule. For the daring act of leading a government outside India, Mahendra Pratap faced sedition charges and his properties were confiscated. Ultimately, he left the country and worked outside India for its freedom. In his weekly journal, titled Young India, Mahatma Gandhi wrote on July 14, 1929: 'Raja Mahendra Pratap is a great patriot. For the sake of the country, this noble man has chosen exile as his lot.' Pratap was a member of the first Lok Sabha and defeated Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the elections. In 1929, Mahendra Pratap sent a letter to Gandhi, outlining the idea of non-violence. He wrote, ' Ahimsa, as I understand it, is not to give pain to anybody in mind or body by one's thought, talk or action. However, to be a follower of this principle does not stop here. A follower of ahimsa has to change all those conditions under which himsa is practised or becomes possible. I call it worst kind of himsa, opposite of ahimsa, when a man tolerates or aids himsa of others. Many people in India today deliver some very fine sermons on the beauties of ahimsa; however, they do little to destroy the himsa of the British.' Elsewhere, Mahendra Prata wrote, 'In the true spirit of ahimsa, I cannot force my will on others'. That utterance is intensely relevant for India which, after 2014, is witnessing violent imposition of majoritarianism, with minorities being attacked and many lives being snuffed out in the name of what they eat, how they dress and who they worship. As I visited Sagari Chchabra's curated exhibition and saw at the very beginning a picture of Mahendra Pratap, I was reminded of Gandhi and Pratap's nuanced reflections on non-violence. In no exhibition on freedom struggle have I ever seen any depiction of the first provisional government before. It preceded the provisional government headed by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as prime minister in late 1940s. Global scope of freedom movement It is quite fascinating to see the exhibition showcasing oral testimonies, photos, audio, video and film recordings of freedom struggle which covered in its scope not just India but also Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar and many other European countries and Canada. It is delightful to see photos and documents from London, Paris, Geneva, Stuttgart, San Francisco and other places, showing that India's freedom struggle was both revolutionary and non-violent. The exhibition also showcased rare documents of the papers ' Bande Mataram' and ' Talvar ', started by Madam Bhikaiji Cama, a Parsi, who for the first time hoisted a version of the Indian flag outside India, at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart. The depiction of the Ghadar Party, based in Vancouver and San Francisco, in the exhibition is also very captivating. Netaji and the Indian National Army It is well known that Netaji Subhas Bose was described by Mahatma Gandhi as a prince among patriots and so, the exhibition, with its special section on Netaji's phenomenal role in freeing India from British rule, is very impactful. In addition to casting light on the Netaji-led provisional government, the exhibition specially focuses attention on Rani Jhansi regiment of Indian National Army (INA), the first regiment of the world, entirely consisting of women and led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal. The spirit of INA was so infectious in inspiring women that a lady freedom fighter's words from that period, that 'sarees should go to hell' and 'what ladies needed were uniforms, caps, belts and boots to fight for liberation of India' summed up the temper of that time. Trial of INA heroes The trial of INA heroes Colonel Prem Sahgal, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon and Major-General Shah Nawaz Khan became a trial of the British empire. British intelligence officer Hugh Toy, in his book The Springing Tiger, paid tribute to Netaji and wrote that that trial and subsequent Naval Mutiny hastened the independence of India. While explaining to the visitors about the exhibition, Sagari said that when the three heroes were put on trial, the slogan of that time – 'Lal Quila Se Aai Awaj, Sahagal, Dhilon and Shah Nawaj (A voice rose from the Red Fort, of Sehgal, Dhillon and Shah Nawaz)' – stirred new heights of inclusive nationalism for people Gandhian era Finally, the section on Mahatma Gandhi in the exhibition shows how women, and that too ordinary women from all parts of India, willingly participated in the freedom struggle because of Gandhi's non-violence movement for the freedom of India. This section depicts specifically the Dandi March of 1930 launched by Gandhi to break the iniquitous salt law, preventing Indians from manufacturing salt, and achieve independence. A multitude of women joined the Salt Satyagraha, the exhibition shows, breaking the salt law with the march that shook the British empire by the sheer strength unleashed by totally unarmed men and women. Gandhi, who was arrested and put behind bars, was declared 'Man of the Year' by the Time magazine in 1930. The exhibition also screens the documentary film, ' Asli Azaadi', directed by Sagari Chhabra, 1999, on women freedom fighters. In these trying times, when history is distorted and people operating the state apparatus are deriding the values of freedom struggle, this exhibition serves not just as inspiration but also as education. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Advertisement
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Saving Veeraswamy, a British institution
Next year Veeraswamy, the oldest surviving Indian restaurant in Britain — actually, its owners claim it could be the oldest surviving Indian restaurant in the world — will be a 100 years old. Alas, that could also be the precise moment it ceases to exist. So, what is intended as a celebration could end up a wake. It's not just Veeraswamy's place in history that should be protected and preserved. It's also a rather good restaurant. (Alex Muller/Wikimedia Commons) Veeraswamy is perhaps one of the best-known landmarks on London's Regent Street. Not so long ago it had Austin Reed on its left and Aquascutum in front. Both of those legendary clothiers have disappeared. They have passed into history. Is that what might happen to Veeraswamy? If it does, its owners, Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi, believe it would be 'cultural philistinism'. Not many would disagree. It was way back in 1926 that Veeraswamy was founded by Edward Palmer, the great-grandson of General William Palmer and the Moghul Princess Faisan Nissa Begum. The restaurant is named after his grandmother Veera. In 1937 it became the first establishment outside India to install a tandoor oven. In the 1940s, it survived the blitz, its diners allegedly undeterred by German bombs. The truth is Veeraswamy has always been one of the favourite eating spots for some of the most famous residents of London. The Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) dined there so frequently that his coat of arms used to adorn the entrance. In fact, in the early 1930s, the Crown Prince of Denmark couldn't resist the place. He was not just a regular. It was one of his favourite haunts. The Goan-style duck vindaloo was his preferred dish. In gratitude, he took to sending a cask of Carlsberg to the restaurant every Christmas. Perhaps this is the origin of the British passion for beer and Indian food, which today is the mainstay of people who roll out of pubs hungry and tipsy around 11 pm every night. Veeraswamy has also been very popular with Indians. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and VK Krishna Menon were frequent visitors. So too Winston Churchill, the Kings of Sweden and Jordan, Marlon Brando, Laurence Olivier, Pierce Brosnan, Princess Anne, and David Cameron. In 1948, it catered to the Indian Olympic team. In 2017, Queen Elizabeth asked Veeraswamy to cater for the visiting President of India. The problem threatening Veeraswamy is that the building where it's housed on Regent Street is part of the Crown Estate, the institution that runs King Charles's properties. They've decided not to renew the lease when it expires in April next year. Instead, they want to take over the 11 square metre ground floor entrance to the restaurant so they can extend the reception for the offices on the building's upper floors. 'I think they have come to the view that it's too tiresome having a restaurant there. They want it to be all offices,' Mathrani recently told The Times. Veeraswamy has, of course, gone to court but the case is still to be heard. They have also organised a petition that tens of thousands have signed and which will, in due course, be presented to the King. But if none of that works then, as Mathrani bluntly puts it, 'We'll have to close down and then seek to revive in a new site after whatever period of time with all the implications for loss of business (and) potential redundancies'. And then, he ruefully adds, this might 'effectively destroy a major London institution'. That would be truly tragic. It's not just Veeraswamy's place in history that should be protected and preserved. It's also a rather good restaurant. In 2016, it was awarded a Michelin star, which it holds to this day. There aren't many other Indian restaurants that can make a similar boast. So, will King Charles intercede and prevent Veeraswamy's closure? It's the only hope left. But just in case he doesn't, I shall, on my next visit to London, make a point of dining there if only, sadly, to bid a fond adieu. Why don't you consider doing the same? Karan Thapar is the author of Devil's Advocate: The Untold Story. The views expressed are personal.
India.com
27-04-2025
- India.com
Discover The 10 Best Family-Friendly Destinations In Agra
Agra is a city synonymous with the ethereal Taj Mahal. It is here that one can find invaluable historical and cultural resources which make it an unforgettable place for a family vacation. Besides the iconic white marble tombstone, travelers will find attractive markets, great fortresses and tranquil gardens. Let us go through various places virtually that you need to visit with your family in Agra. 1. Taj Mahal The journey begins with the crowning glory of Agra – Taj Mahal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a masterpiece of architecture but also a symbol of love eternal. Get astonished by its detailed marble engravings as you walk around its lush gardens or take timeless photographs with your family against the background of this breathtaking sight. 2. Agra Fort Just at a stone throw distance away from Taj Mahal stands another UNESCO World Heritage Site – imposing Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar made out of red sandstone, tells tales of Mughal grandeur and intrigue in captivating ways possible. Explore its labyrinthine corridors, visit Diwan-i-khas and Diwan-i-am where you listen to remarkable stories about all Mughals and have panoramic view of Taj Mahal from ramparts. 3. Fatehpur Sikri Go further from Agra to discover Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted city significant for its architectural splendor as well as historical importance designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site along its preserved palaces, mosques and courtyards allow your family to feel themselves part of this great Moghul building tradition. 4. Mehtab Bagh Mehtab Bagh is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility after the hectic life downtown; it's situated opposite Tajmahal itself away from all city noises i.e., amidst nature therefore known as 'the Moonlight Garden.' From here, you can see the sunrise and sunset at Tajmahal which makes it perfect for family picnics or romantic walks. 5. Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb This is where Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, referred to as Baby Taj, lies hidden within Agra city; an example of elegant marble art work complemented with delicate carvings. Explore the superb mausoleum snuggled by the Yamuna River and admire its intricate jalis and peaceful surroundings. 6. Taj Nature Walk For families who love nature, Taj Nature Walk is a place where they can escape into fresh air full of native plants and animals. Strolling along its winding paths, observing different species of birds or just enjoying serenity in this green area will prove beneficial in escaping from the noisy life of a big city. 7. Kinari Bazaar No trip to Agra would be complete without some shopping in Kinari Bazaar. This busy market appeals to souvenir hunters with an array of traditional handicrafts, marble items or embroidered garments that fill up one's whole vision. Permit your loved ones be immersed in lively colors and rich culture of Agra while bargaining for their takeaway mementos' best choices available. 8. Street Food Delights When it comes to street food; Agra has it all! From hot samosas to crispy jalebis, delightful chaats and mouthwatering kebabs – each member of your family will find something special among these Agra specialties that cater both vegetarians as well non-vegetarians alike. You may also want try out Petha – the famous translucent candy made out of ash gourd (winter melon) that comes in a variety of flavors while you are at it. 9. Taj Museum Visit the Taj Museum to explore the history and artistry of the Taj Mahal. The museum is located in the Taj Mahal complex and it has a remarkable collection of artifacts, architectural blueprints and historical publications that are associated with building up and conservation works of this monument. It serves as an educational resource for families wanting to understand better more about this architectural wonder. 10. Mughal Heritage Walk Take a guided Mughal Heritage Walk through Agra's streets to discover some hidden treasures and lesser-known historical sites. Conducted by experienced local guides, these walks help families delve into Agra's rich cultural past as well as get an insight into its living culture through interaction with locals. Final Thoughts Finally, Agra enthralls travelers with its timeless charm and cultural splendor thus making it a perfect destination for an unforgettable family vacation. Whether you are admiring the beauty of the Taj Mahal, exploring ancient forts or trying out some street food delights, Agra guarantees you will have an unforgettable journey filled with history, heritage and precious moments spent with your loved ones.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
10-member committee to find out Saran's establishment date
Chhapra: Saran administration has constituted a 10-member committee, including officials and some others, to find out the date of its establishment, or to suggest a suitable one with historical or other importance to adopt. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The responsibility of finding a suitable date has been given to the district development commissioner (DDC), Yatindra Kumar Pal along with nine other members, and the panel is hopeful of finding the district formation's date soon. Saran DM Aman Sameer, after joining at Chhapra, was seriously trying to locate its date of establishment with the purpose of celebrating the day. Finally, he has set up a committee to find out or decide on Saran's formation date. Many districts in the state have their establishment dates that can be readily found, while some do not have specific, officially recorded dates of creation. Such districts have adopted a suitable date and celebrate the day every year. Being one of the oldest districts in this state, Saran shares the same fate. Neither in the gazetteer of Saran nor in any govt records is its date of establishment mentioned. East Champaran, which was carved out of Saran in 1869, has adopted Oct 2, the date of Gandhi Jayanti, as its establishment day. Siwan, which was carved out of Saran (it was a subdivision of Saran) in 1972, also adopted Dec 3, birth anniversary of Rajendra Prasad, the 1st President of India, as its creation date. However, Saran has an interesting history. On Aug 12, 1765, the 'Diwani' of Bihar, Bengal, and Odisha was handed over to the East India Company by the Moghul Emperor. 'Diwani' refers to the right to collect revenue and manage the administration of a territory. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now There were eight Sarakars (equivalent to revenue districts), including Saran and Champaran. According to the Hindi version of the Saran gazetteer (Srijan), written by the then Saran DM Deepak Anand, modern Saran was part of Kaushal Pradesh. He mentioned that in 1866, the British separated Saran and Champaran. It remained part of the Patna division till 1829 and later was transferred to the Tirhut division in 1908 after its formation. At present, Saran is part of the Saran division, which was formed on April 23, 1981. Chhapra: Saran administration has constituted a 10-member committee, including officials and some others, to find out the date of its establishment, or to suggest a suitable one with historical or other importance to adopt. The responsibility of finding a suitable date has been given to the district development commissioner (DDC), Yatindra Kumar Pal along with nine other members, and the panel is hopeful of finding the district foundation's date soon. Saran DM Aman Sameer, after joining at Chhapra, was seriously trying to locate its date of establishment with the purpose of celebrating the day. Finally, he has set up a committee to find out or decide on Saran's formation date. Many districts in the state have their establishment dates that can be readily found, while some do not have specific, officially recorded dates of creation. Such districts have adopted a suitable date and celebrate the day every year. Being one of the oldest districts in this state, Saran shares the same fate. Neither in the gazetteer of Saran nor in any govt records is its date of establishment mentioned. East Champaran, which was carved out of Saran in 1869, has adopted Oct 2, the date of Gandhi Jayanti, as its establishment day. Siwan, which was carved out of Saran (it was a subdivision of Saran) in 1972, also adopted Dec 3, birth anniversary of Rajendra Prasad, the 1st President of India, as its creation date. However, Saran has an interesting history. On Aug 12, 1765, the 'Diwani' of Bihar, Bengal, and Odisha was handed over to the East India Company by the Moghul Emperor. 'Diwani' refers to the right to collect revenue and manage the administration of a territory. There were eight Sarakars (equivalent to revenue districts), including Saran and Champaran. According to the Hindi version of the Saran gazetteer (Srijan), written by the then Saran DM Deepak Anand, modern Saran was part of Kaushal Pradesh. He mentioned that in 1866, the British separated Saran and Champaran. It remained part of the Patna division till 1829 and later was transferred to the Tirhut division in 1908 after its formation. At present, Saran is part of the Saran division, which was formed on April 23, 1981.
