Indian Freedom Fighter - Khudi Ram Bose

Khudiram Bose

It was February 1906. A grand exhibition had been arranged at Medinipur in Bengal. The intention was to hide the injustice of the British then ruling India. On exhibition were articles like pictures and puppets which could create the impression that the British rulers, though foreigners, were doing much to help the people of India. There were big crowds to see the exhibition.

'Take Care, Don't Touch My Body!’

Then appeared a boy of sixteen with a bundle of handbills; he was distributing them to the people. The handbill bore the title 'Sonar Bangla'. It carried the slogan Vande Mataram'. In addition, the true purpose of the British in putting up the exhibition was also exposed.The various forms of British injustice and tyranny were also explained.

Among the visitors to the exhibition, there were a few loyal to the King of England. They were opposed to the persons who exposed the injustice of the British. Words like Vande Mataram', 'Swatantrya' (freedom) and 'Swarajya' (self-rule) were like pins and needles to them. They tried to prevent the boy from distributing the handbills. Their eyes red with anger, they glared at the boy, rebuked him and frightened him. But ignoring them the boy calmly went on distributing the handbills. When some people tried to capture him, he smartly escaped.

At last a policeman caught hold of the boy's hand. He pulled at the bundle of handbills. But to catch the boy was not so easy. He jerked free his hand. Then he swung the arm and powerfully struck the nose of the policeman. Again he took possession of the handbills, and said, "Take care, don't touch my body! I will see how you can arrest me without a warrant."

The policeman who had received the blow rushed forward again; but the boy was not there. He had disappeared in the midst of the crowd.

As the people burst into cries Vande Mataram' the police and t loyal to the King were filled with wonder and also felt humiliated.

Later a case was filed against the boy; but the court set him on the ground of his tender age.

Who Was This Boy?

The heroic boy who distributed handbills so bravely at the Medinipur exhibition and thereby defeated the evil plans of the British was Khudiram Bose.

Khudiram Bose was born on 3rd December 1889 in the village Bahuvaini in Medinipur district. His father Trailokyanath Basu was the Tahsildar of the town of the Nadazol prince. His mother Lakshmipriya Devi was a pious lady, who was well known for her virtuous life and generosity. Though a few children were born to the couple all died soon after birth. Only a daughter survived. The last child, Khudiram Bose, was the only surviving son.

The Bose couple had yearned for a male child. But they did not live long enough to enjoy their happiness. They unexpectedly died when Khudiram was just six. The boy's elder sister Anurupadevi and his
brother-in-law Amritalal had to shoulder the responsibility of bringing him up.
A Born Patriot

Anurupadevi looked after Khudiram with the affection of a mother. She wanted her younger brother to be highly educated, get a high post and to make a name. She therefore admitted him to a nearby school.

It was not that Khudiram could not learn. He was smart and could grasp things easily. But he could not be attentive to the lessons in his class. Though his teachers shouted at the top of their voice, he did not hear the lessons. Thoughts entirely unrelated to the lessons were revolving in his head.

A born patriot, even at the age seven or eight years, Khudiram Bose thought, 'India is our country. It is a great country. Elders say that this has been the home of know- ledge for thousands of years. Why, then, are the red-faced British here? Under them, our people cannot even live as they wish. When I grow up, I must somehow drive them out.'

All day the boy was engaged in these thoughts. Thus oven when he opened a book to read, he would see a red-faced, green-eyed, glaring Englishman. Even when he was eating, the same recollection haunted him. And the memory brought a strange pain in the heart.

Both his sister and his brother-in-law wondered what troubled the boy. They thought that the memory of his mother troubled him, and treated him with greater affection.But Khudiram was unhappy about Mother India. His anguish grew day by day.

No Disease Worse Than Slavery

Once Khudiram went to a temple. A few persons were lying on the bare ground in front of the temple. "Why are these people lying thus?", Khudiram asked some persons nearby.

One of them explained:"They are suffering from some disease or the other. They have made a vow and are lying here without food and water. They will get up and go after God appears in their dream and promises to cure their diseases."

Khudiram thought for a moment and said, "One day I too will have to give up all 'thought of hunger and thirst and lie on the ground like these people."

"What disease has struck you?" A man asked the boy. Khudiram laughed, and said, "Can there be a disease worse than slavery? I will have to drive it out."

Even at that young age, Khudiram had thought so deeply about the country's freedom. But how was he to achieve it? This was the problem that always clouded his mind. How could he successfully do his duty?

While he was thus worried, Khudiram one day heard the cry 'Vande Mataram', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' (Victory to Mother India). He was thrilled by these words, his eyes glowed and he felt happy.

The Sacred Phrase

This 'Mantra' or sacred phrase, Vande Mataram', which inspired Khudiram, had a great history. And greater still was what it accomplished.

In 1838, a great man was born in thevillage of Kantalapada. His name was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya. His father had once been a government official in Khudi- ram's native place Medinipur.

In 1857 there was an armed fight for the first time to free our country from the British. Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi, Kuwarasimha of Bihar and Bahadur Shah, the Emperor of Delhi were among the leaders of this First War of Independence. At that time Bankim Chandra was a young man of seventeen. The Indians were defeated in their fight for freedom, though they were heroic and intelligent. Bankim's blood boiled at this defeat. Our people did not have discipline, organization, and obedience to rules, nor did they have enough arms and ammunition. There were a number of Indians who were traitors, self - seekers and opportunists. Because these people helped the British, the Indians had to suffer defeat.

If a man is to give up selfishness, he must have a shining ideal before him. What ideal could inspire the people of India? Bankim pondered on this question. Then came to him the vision of Bharat Mata (Mother India) - a vision of the Mother in her glory seated on a throne studded with gems. Bankim thought 'We, her children, bow to the sublime Mother.' Then flashed to his mind the sacred phrase: Vande Mataram' (I salute the Mother).

Bankim Chandra composed a lengthy song, which opened with this phrase. All through the song are described the form and the splendour of Bharat Mata. Bankim Chandra wrote a novel by name 'Anandamata', narrating the very story of a struggle for independence. He put the song Vande Mataram' in to the novel.

The Stirring 'Mantra'

'Anandamata' is the novel describing the fight of the patriotic ascetics (sanyasis) against foreign rule. Bankim Chandra's intention was to awaken the Vande Mataram patriotism in people and inspire them to fight for freedom. The freedom fighting sanyasis in the novel sing ‘Vande Mataram’ as a song of inspiration. In the song, Mother India is described as Goddess Durga. Bankim used many Sanskrit words in the song so that all Indians could use it. Within a few days of the publication of the novel 'Anandamata', the song Vande Mataram' became the favorite 'Mantra' (incantation) of patriots. Whenever they gathered together, they would shout the magic words Vande Mataram'. Bankim's novel inspired more and more people. Great men like Aravincla Ghosh, Brahma- bandhava Upadhyaya and Bipinchandra Pal plunged into the fight for freedom. They’re sprang up many organizations to
train young men in the use of pistol, lathi, dagger and the like. Some important ones were Anusheelana Samiti, Jugantar,Bhrato Samiti, Vande Mataram Sampradaya and Circular Virodhi Samiti. The determination to free the Mother even at the cost of life, happiness, family, money and all grew stronger. Sister Nivedita, the disciple of
Swami Vivekananda, supported and encouraged these attempts.

The Division of Bengal

Thus inspired by the song VandeMataram', thousands of Indians rebelled against the British. The situation created a fear among the rulers that their empire in India would not last long. So they tried to split the Hindus and the Muslims. In the western part of Bengal the Hindus were in a majority,and in the eastern part the Muslims. Realizing this the British devised a new plan. In 1905, when Lord Curzon was the Governor General of India, orders were issued dividing Bengal into East Bengal and West Bengal. But the people of India knew the purpose of the British. Patriots from different parts of the country opposed the partition of Bengal with one voice. In many places meetings, processions and non-violent strikes (satyagraha) were held, with the words Vande Mataram' on everyone's lips.

Khudiram Initiated

Love of his country had come to Khudiram with his mother's milk. It was at this time he was initiated into revolution. The cry of Vande Mataram' which was then heard everywhere caught his imagination. He watched with interest the different forms of protest against the partition of Bengal. Watching them he could not be silent. He wanted to know their background. When he read 'Anandamata', he got a clearvision of his life's task. He decided to dedicate his life to the service of the Mother. He admired the way of revolutionaries who were determined to organize patriotic men, and fight bravely against the foreign rulers to free the country from slavery. The revolutionaries had sacrificed their family, relations, wealth and everything. They had dedicated themselves to the service of the Motherland. Men of a noble character and a pure life, they were not afraid of any hard ship. Khudiram too desired to become one of such revolutionaries. He made friends with them. They tested him in several ways and he proved his worth. At last he was initiated into the service of the country. So his formal education ended.

Spreading the Gospel of 'Vande Mataram'

In the days following his initiation Khudiram learnt the use of weapons like the pistol, the dagger and the lathi, and became an expert. Though lean, he was very active. At the same time he took up the task of spreading the gospel of Vande Mataram'. In order to build an army of freedom fighters, was it not necessary to install the auspicious image of Bharat Mata in their hearts? How could one fight for the mother if one did 'not know'' her? And could there be a better means of educating people than by teaching the gospel of Vande Mataram'?

Khudiram started teaching the song to his friends. He fully explained its meaning. He encouraged is a friend to read the novel 'Anandamata'.

The leaders of Khudiram's group of revolutionaries recognized his special devotion and interest in Vande Mataram'. They decided to print handbills containing the song and distribute them. Khudiram took an important part in this task. That was the background of the incident at the Medinipur Exhibition.

Patriots Tortured

As the message of Vande Mataram' spread, the British became more andmore cruel. They proclaimed that it was treason to shout Vande Mataram'. Thus, in the eyes of the British saluting our own Mother was an act of treason!

The British Government started harassing the patriots in different ways. But they had the courage to march on ignoring all harassment. Meetings and processions resounded with cries of Vande Mataram, which shock the British. If two patriots met, instead of merely saying Namaskar (salutation) they bowed to each other with the greeting Vande Mataram'! Whenever the police heard the slogan, they merci- lessly beat the patriots. They tortured them. Yet they could not prevent Indians from shouting Vande Mataram'! The greater the tyranny of the British, the greater grew the pride of Indians. People started boycotting foreign clothes. They left foreign schools and colleges. 'Swadeshi' (made in our country) became the mantra of salutation to patriots.

The British thought that they would have to quit India if such conditions persisted. Yet they had an illusion that they could forcibly keep the people under control. So they decided to punish the patriots still more
cruelly. Wherever the revolutionaries were very active, the government appointed stern and harsh officers. Those officers would torture the patriots they could catch. They would ill-treat women, children and old men. They would inflict harsh punish- ments even for small crimes. Kings ford, the Chief Presidency Magistrate of calcutta, was one such cruel officer. The Newspaper That Terrified the Rulers

‘Vande Mataram' was a very popular newspaper in Bengal. The great patriot Bipinchandra Pal had started the paper. Maharshi Aravinda Ghosh was the editor. The paper not only published articles inculcating radical patriotism, but also fearlessly condemned the acts of injustice of the British. It was like the true patriot's friend and guide; so it was a nightmare to the British.

In 1907, the British prosecuted the Vande Mataram'on a charge of treason. The trial was held at the Police Court of Lal Bazaar in Calcutta. Everyday thousands of young men used to gather outside the Court. Every day they shouted Vande Mataram with one voice, thus displaying their pride in the paper. Thus they proved the support enjoyed by the paper. The steel-helmeted police used to make inhuman lathi charges on the crowd.

The Lion's Cub Provoked

On the 26th of August 1907, when such a case was going on, thousands of youths had gathered as usual before the court. They had not yet begun to shout Vande Mataram'. They were silent, and created no trouble. This itself probably provoked a sturdy. Red-faced policeman; he suddenly started beating the young men with a lathi. Nobody resisted. But the lathi in the hands of that sturdy person wheeled round with a greater force. Sushilkumar Sen, a boy of fifteen, who was standing at a distance, could not bear the sight. Stepping forward, he said to the official: "Why are you beating the people without any reason?" He tried to stop him.

"Who are you? Get out!" the Englishman shouted and hit Sushil. Provoked, Sushil said, "I will show you who I am." He suddenly pounced on the Englishman and struck a powerful blow on the nose of the Englishman who was four times as big as he. Pulling away the lathi from his hand, the boy went on beating the Englishman himself. Just taste the blow of an Indian boy, he said and beat him till the English man began to bleed. That lout had only experience of beating unarmed people; he had not known what it was to be thrashed. He began to howl with pain. He screamed. Then other policeman came up and caught hold of Sushil. They arrested and took him to the court.

Kingsford's Cruelty

The magistrate who conducted the trial was Kingsford, notorious for his cruelty. "You have broken the law by attacking a British Policeman engaged in maintaining peace," he scolded Sushil.

"Then why did your 'peace-loving' police man attack our people standing peace fully?" Sushilkumar fearlessly questioned Kingsford himself.

"An impertinent fellow! I order a punish- ment of fifteen lashes. Take him away," Kingsford commanded the police.

The police took out Siushil, and stripped him. They mercilessly gave him fifteen lashes. Sushil did not weep, nor did his smile fade. At every stroke, he cried 'Vande Mataram'!

After release,he was taken in a procession by the people. He was honored at a big meeting. Surendranath Bannerji, an elderly leader, admired Sushilkumar's courage and blessed him with the gift of a gold medal. The National College, in which he was studying, was closed for a day in his honor

The Vow of Revenge

Long before this the revolutionaries had thought of teaching a lesson to Kingsford, who was a monster in human form. The punishment, which he gave to Sushilkumar Sen, added to their fury. As long as Kings- ford lived, he was a menace to thepatriots. Hence they decided to kill him.

The British Government got scent of the revolutionaries' decision. It was convinced that Kingsford's life was in danger. The Intelligence Department suggested to the Government that it was better to send him to England. The Government did not listen to the suggestion. Finally Kingsford was promoted to the post of a District and Sessions Judge and transferred to Muzaffarpur.

Preparations for Kingsford's Murder

Even after his transfer to Muzaffarpur, Kingsford would-not ends his cruel acts. In 1908, the revolutionaries made a plan to kill him.

In the first week of April, therevolutionaries of the Jugantar group held a meeting at a house in Calcutta. They were to discuss how to – punish Kingsford who had treated Sushil so unjustly and harshly. Aravinda Ghosh, Subodh Mallik, Charudatta and others were present at the meeting. It was decided that Kingsford should be shot dead. But their leader was worried about the choice of a person to do this. Some were eager to accept the task. But the leader did not wish to select any one of them.

All of a sudden the leader's eye fell on Khudiram who was sitting in a corner. The glance seemed to ask 'Can you do this?' Khudiram understood it. There was a glow in his eyes.

"Can you do this grim work?" The leader now openly asked him.

"With your blessings, what is impossible?" Khudiram answered him with a question.

"This is not so easy as going to jail. Do you know what will happen, if you are caught?" The leader asked him in a tone of warning.

Khudiram said calmly but firmly, 1know. At the worst they can hang me. Master, I take it as a boon. Bharat Mata is my father, mother and all. To give up my life for her is, I consider, an act of merit. My sole desire is only this. Till our country wins freedom, I will be born here again and again, and sacrifice my life."

"Is that so? I am very glad. Get ready for the journey. Profulla Chaki will go with you," the leader said. Profullakumar Chaki, quite sturdy and of about the same age as Khudiram, stood near him. Profulla was a native ofRangapur of East Bengal. At the time of the partition of Bengal, he had walked out of school with eighty boys, all shouting Vande Mataram'!

The leader of the revolutionaries gave each of the boys, Khudiram and Profulla, two revolvers, a bomb and a little money, and sent them with his blessings. They set out full of zest to end the life of Kingsford.
Preparations for Kingsford's Murder

Even after his transfer to Muzaffarpur, Kingsford would-not ends his cruel acts. In 1908, the revolutionaries made a plan to kill him.

In the first week of April,the revolutionaries of the Jugantar group held a meeting at a house in Calcutta. They were to discuss how to – punish Kingsford who had treated Sushil so unjustly and harshly. Aravinda Ghosh, Subodh Mallik, Charudatta and others were present at the meeting. It was decided that Kingsford should be shot dead. But their leader was worried about the choice of a person to do this. Some were eager to accept the task. But the leader did not wish to select any one of them.

All of a sudden the leader's eye fell on Khudiram who was sitting in a corner. The glance seemed to ask 'Can you do this?' Khudiram understood it. There was a glow in his eyes.

"Can you do this grim work?" The leader now openly asked him.

"With your blessings, what is impossible?" Khudiram answered him with a question.

"This is not so easy as going to jail. Do you know what will happen, if you are caught?" The leader asked him in a tone of warning.

Khudiram said calmly but firmly, 1know. At the worst they can hang me. Master, I take it as a boon. Bharat Mata is my father, mother and all.To give up my life for her is, I consider, an act of merit. My sole desire is only this. Till our country wins freedom, I will be born here again and again, and sacrifice my life." "Is that so? I am very glad. Get ready for the journey. Profulla Chaki will go with you," the leader said.

Profullakumar Chaki, quite sturdy and of about the same age as Khudiram, stood near him.Profulla was a native of Rangapur of East Bengal. At the time of the partition of Bengal, he had walked out of school with eighty boys, all shouting Vande Mataram'!

The leader of the revolutionaries gave each of the boys, Khudiram and Profulla, two revolvers, a bomb and a little money, and sent them with his blessings. They set out full of zest to end the life of Kingsford.

The Prey Missed

It was on the night of April 30, 1908 that Khudiram and Profulla approached the European Club at Muzaffarpur. With a revolver and a bomb ready, they hid them- selves waiting for Kingsford to come out.

In a short while courage drawn by a horse moved from the compound of Kingsford's bungalow. Khudiram who held a bomb in his hand, whispered to Profulla, "Run away soon after I throw the bomb. Don't worry about me. In case I survive, I shall touch the feet of our revered teacher. Be ready to run. Vande Mataram!"

The carriage approached. When it was just opposite him Khudiram aimed at the carriage and threw the bomb inside.

The first bomb thrown against the British by India leapt from a young hand. As the bomb touched the coach there was a deafening explosion. A blood-curdling cry was also heard at the same moment. Without watching to see what would happen next, Khudiram and Profulla ran away in different directions.

Kingsford was lucky. He was not in the carriage on which Khudiram threw the bomb. The persons in it were Kingsford's guests, the wife and the daughter of a lawyer Kennady by name, and a servant. The daughter and the servant died immediately. Mrs. Kennedy, who was seriously injured, died a day or two later.

The Lion's Cub Caught

Khudiram started running immediately after throwing the bomb. He ran throughout the night, along the railway line,without stopping. He stopped only in the morning. By then he had run about 25 miles. He reached a place now known as Lakha near the railway station at Veni. He had run with out rest and was quite exhausted. In addition, he was unbearably hungry.Buying some fried corn, he started eating. By that time, the news of the Muzaffarpur incident had spread in all directions. At the very shop where Khudiram was eating, people were talking about it. Khudiram listened with curiosity. Hearing that two women died, he forgot himself for a moment and asked, "What! Didn't Kings ford die?"

Khudiram's words drew the attention of the people in the shop. The boy looked a stranger to the place. Utter fatigue was clear in his face. The shopkeeper's suspicion grew stronger. He entertained a hope that he would be rewarded if he could expose the criminal. Immediately after serving water to Khudiram, he gave a hint to the police going on their usual rounds nearby. As Khudiram raised the glass to his mouth, the police arrived and caught hold of him. Khudiram failed in his attempt to take out the revolver in his pocket. Both the revolvers in his pockets were seized by the police. Khudiram was not in the least upset.

Profulla's Sacrifice

Profullakumar Chaki, too, had run away like Khudiram. He evaded the police for two days. But on the third day of hiswanderings the police encountered him. When they attempted to arrest him, he ran away. But wherever he went, the police had spread their net. "Any way, I shall not allow them to touch me when I am alive" he resolved. Taking out his pistol he shot himself and died a heroic death. The police cut off his head and carried it to Muzaffarpur.

Khudiram was brought by train to Muzaffarpur under a heavy guard. People had assembled in thousands to see the boy who had thrown a bomb for the first time in India against the British. As soon as Khudiram got into the carriage to go to the police station, he shouted with a smile, Vande Mataram'! Tears of pride welled up
in the eyes of the people.

'I Know Better'

Afterwards a case was filed against Khudiram. There were two lawyers on the Government's side. There was no one at Muzaffarpur, whom Khudiram could call his own. Then a senior advocate Kalidas Bose by name came forward to argue for him.

The pretence of a trial took two months. In the end, the Magistrate read his judgment sentencing Khudiram to death. Even when the judgment was being read, Khudiram did not show even a faint trace of fear. The judge was surprised that a boy of nineteen years accepted death so calmly. "Do you know what this judgment means?" he asked.

Khudiram replied with a smile "I know its meaning better than you."

The judge asked, "Have you anything to say?"

"Yes. I have to explain a few things about making bombs."

The judge was now nervous that Khudiram might make a statement explaining how to make bombs and thus teach everyone in the court. Hence he did not allow the boy to make a statement.

Khudiram had not expected justice in a British court. But Kalidas Bose yearned to save Khudiram. He appealed to the Calcutta High Court on behalf of Khudiram. The judge of the High Court also under- stood Khudiram's nature. The fearless eyes and the determined face of the boy filled him, too, with wonder. He confirmed the death sentence given by the lower court. But he postponed the date of the execution from August 6, 1908 to August 19.

"Do you wish to say anything?" the judge asked.

Khudiram said, "Like the heroic Rajput women, I wish to die for the freedom of my country. The thought of the gallows does not make me unhappy in the least. My only regret is that Kingsford could not be punished for his crimes."

Even in prison, he was not at all worried. As death approached his face grew brighter. He thought that the sooner he sacrificed his life, the sooner he could be born again and fights for the freedom of his Motherland. This is not mere legend. Khudiram put on two pounds in the jail! Back to the Mother's Lap

As had been decided, Khudiram was brought to the gallows at 6 A. M. on the nineteenth of August, 1908, Even then the smile on his face had not faded. Serenely he walked to the post. He had a copy of the Bhagavadgita (the Song Divine). For the last time he cried aloud, Vande Mataram' and then put his hand into the noose.

Khudiram had finally achieved his heroic goal; he had laid his life at the feet of Mother India. He is immortal in the history of India.

Khudiram's sacrifice did not go waste. Of course, the bomb thrown by him hit others, but not Kingsford. But the bomb of fear had entered the mind of Kingsford. Right from the day when Khudiram became a martyr, Kingsford had no peace of mind. Each moment seemed to bring him death. At last, he was so terrified that he resigned his post and settled at Mussorie.Kingsford, who frightened and tortured the innocents, himself died of terror.

An Inspiration

Khudiram not only himself became immortal, but also inspired others by his sacrifice to become immortal. In course of time, thousands of young men and women followed in his footsteps and enbed the British regime in India. While Kingsford had to quit his post, the British had to quit India itself

Indian Freedom Fighter - Ram Prasad Bismil

Introduction: A Brave revolutionary who up his life smilingly for the sake of the Motherland. He was hunted by the police and betrayed by fellow workers. He was the brave leader of Kakori Rail Dacoity Episode.

Ramaprasad Bismil

It was the 18th of December 1927. A middle-aged lady was waiting at the main gates of the Gorakhpur Central Jail. Her face was radiant but anxiety was writ large on it. She was eagerly waiting to be called into the prison.

By that time her husband also arrived there. He was surprised that his wife was there before him. He also sat down to wait for the call.

Another young man came there. He was not related to them. He knew that the couple would be permitted to enter the prison.But how could he manage to enter? This was his problem.

The officials of the prison called in the husband and the wife. The young man followed them. The guard stopped him and rudely asked, "Who are you?"

"Permit him also, brother. He is my sister's son", the lady said in an entreating voice.
The guard relented.

All the three entered the prison to visit a freedom fighter that was to face his death on the morrow.

The Brave Freedom Fighter

The freedom fighter was brought there in chains. They were like ornaments on him. This was the last time that he could see his mother, the last time he could address her as 'Mother'. At this thought grief welled up in him. He stood speechless and tears rolled down his cheeks.

In a firm voice the mother said, 'What is this, my son? I had thought of my son as a great hero. I was thinking that the British Government would shiver at the very mention of his name. I never thought that my son would be afraid of death. If you can die only in this way, weeping, why did you take up such activities?"

The officials were astounded at the firm- ness of the mother. The freedom fighter replied, "Mother dear, these are not tears of fear - the fear of death. These are tears of joy - joy at beholding so brave as mother!"

The brave son of that brave mother was Ramaprasad Bismil. He was the leader of the famous Kakori Rail Dacoity case.

The last meeting ended.

Next morning Ramaprasad got up earlier than usual, bathed and said his morning
prayers. He wrote his last letter to his mother. Then he sat down with a calm mind awaiting his death.

The officials came and removed his chains. They took him from the prison cell-towards his death.

He was completely untroubled and walked like a hero. The officials were amazed. As he moved to the gallows he joyfully chanted Vande Matharam' and 'Bharath Matha ki Jai'. At the top of his voice he shouted down with the British Empire." Then he calmly recited prayers like 'Vishwani deva savithaha dunithani.... And embraced death.

As he was being executed, there was a strong guard around the prison. When he was dead the officials brought out the dead body. Not only his parents but also hundreds of his countrymen were waiting in tears.The people of Gorakhpur deco rated the body of the brave son of Bharath as befitted a hero and carried it in a procession. Flowers were showered on the body, and the last rites were performed.

Ramaprasad Bismil joined the select band of martyrs who dreamt of a free India and
made the supreme sacrifice, so that the dream might come true.

Boyhood

Ramaprasad was born at Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh in the year 1897. His ancestors belonged to the Thomarghar area of Gwalior State. Their village abutted the British administered provinces on the banks of the river Chambal. People of the Chambal valley are hardy and brave. For generations several states had tried to establish their sway over them but without success.

Ramaprasad's father Muralidhar had only a little education, and was employed by Shahjahanpur Municipality. He got tired of service and switched over to an independent life.He lent money on interest and hired out carts for his livelihood. His first son lived only for a few days. Rama- prasad was his second son.This child, too, developed the same symptoms as the first child. His grandmother, in great anxiety,got talismans and tied them around his neck. She did whatever anyone suggested. Anyway the child survived.

Ramaprasad was the darling of the family. In his seventh year, Muralidhar started teaching him Hindi. He was also sent to a Moulvi to learn Urdu. Later he was sent to a school.

He was fourteen years old by the time he completed the fourth standard in Urdu. By then the habit of reading Urdu novels had taken hold of him. He needed money to buy the novels. But his father would not give him money for this. And so he found an easy way - he stole money from his father's safe. He had also learnt smoking and occasionally he would even use bhang (charas) As a result of all this he failed twice in the fifth standard.

Somehow his father came to know about his habit of stealing money. H changed the lock of the safe. Ramaprasad expressed a desire to join an English school. His father did not agree at once But his mother's support enabled him to join an English school.

A New Path

A new priest came to the temple near his house. He took a liking to young Ramaprasad. Under his healthy influence Ramaprasad gradually gave up the bad habits he had cultivated.He learnt therituals of worship. At school,too, he found a good friend in Sushil Chandra Sen and he gave up smoking, too.

A gentleman by name Munshi Indrajeet once saw young Ramaprasad performing
worship and was pleased very much. Munshiji taught Ramaprasad 'Sandhya- vandana' (the traditional prayers). He told him quite a good deal about the Arya Samaj. Ramaprasad read the 'Sathyartha Praksha' by the great sage Swami Dayanand.This book influenced him deeply. It showed him the way to a brave life. Realizing the importance of Brahma- charya (not seeking pleasures of thebody), Ramaprasad practiced it in word, thought and deed. He gave up the evening meal. He also gave up savory and sour dishes and the use of salt.The practice ofBrahma- charya and regular exercises made his face radiant and his body strong as steel.

Guru Somadevji

Ramaprasad was greatly influenced by the principles of the Arya Samaj. So often there were heated debates between him and Muralidhar. The angry father turned his son out of his home. Ramaprasad moved about for two days in a nearby forest and returned to Shahjahanpur. He was standing at a meeting organized by the Arya Samaj, listening to a discourse. Two men who had been sent by his father caught hold of him and took him to the Head Master of the Mission School in which he was studying. That Christian gentleman advised both the son and the father to behave better. Then Muralidhar realized that it was impossible to mend his son by beating him.

The young, followers of the Arya Samaj banded together and established the Arya
Kumar Sabha. They began to organize meetings and processions. The police feared that this might lead to a clash between the Hindus and the Muslims. So the government banned meetings and processions. The elders in the Arya Samaj were also dissatisfied with these young men. They turned Kumar Sabha out of their quarters. The Sabha remained active for some months and then faded out. But during that short period the Arya Kumar Sabha of Shahjahanpur earned a good name by its good work.

At that time, Swami Somadevji, a leader of the Arya Samaj, came down to Shahjahan- pur and stayed there to improve his health. He had become extremely weak because of much loss of blood. Young Rama- prasad devoted himself to the service of Swami Somadevji.

Swami Somadevji was a great patriot and a scholar. He was proficient in Yoga too. He gave Ramaprasad advice on matters of religion and politics. He suggested some good books for Ramaprasad to read. Under his guidance Ramaprasad's views on religion and political subjects grew clearer.

In the year 1916, Bhai , Paramanandji was sentenced to death in -the Lahore Conspiracy case. He had written a book with the title 'Thavasiq Hindu'. Ramaprasad read the book and appreciated it immen- sely. He came to admire Paramanandji. When he heard about the death sentence, his blood boiled and he took a vow that he would settle scores with the British Government for this great injustice. He told Guru Somadevji about his vow. The Guru remarked, "It is easy to take a vow but hard to keep it." Then Ramaprasad touched the feet of Guru Somadevji and declared, "if I have the grace of these sacred feet my vow will surely be fulfilled; nothing can come in the way." This was the first step in the revolutionary life of Rama- prasad.

Meeting With Tilak

After a short while Guru Samadevji passed away. Ramaprasad had come up to the ninth standard. He was active as an enthusiastic volunteer in the Shahjahanpur Seva Samithi.

The Indian National Congress was to have its annual session at Lucknow. There were
two groups in the Congress at that time. One group consisted of liberals, who were
opposed to any direct action against the British Government. They believed in securing justice by explaining India's difficulties to the British Government. They also believed that India should continue to be a part of the British Empire. The other group was that of extremists who believed in fighting the British Government. And attaining full independence. Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was their leader. Tilak was expected to participate in the session and so the extremists had gathered in large numbers. Ramaprasad also went to Lucknow. The liberals were in a majority in the Reception Committee. They had not made any elaborate arrangements to welcome Tilak. He was just to be received at the railway station.

But the young men desired that Tilak should be taken in a procession through the city. With a student of the M. A. class as their leader they gathered at the railway station. As soon as Tilak got off the railway carriage, the volunteers of the Reception Committee surrounded him and took him to the waiting car. The M.A. student and Ramaprasad leaped forward and sat in front of the car. "If the car is to move, let it move over our bodies," they declared. The members of the Reception Committee and Tilak himself tried to dissuade them but they would not budge. Their friends hired a coach, set free the horses, and them drew the coach. Tilak was made to sit in the coach and taken in a procession. All along the way flowers were showered on Lokamanya Tilak.

From Books to Bullets,

At the Lucknow Session of the Congress Ramaprasad came into contact with some
members of a secret committee; this committee was playing an important role in
revolutionary activities. The previous year he had developed revolutionary ideals. This contact with the committee gave a practical shape to them. In a short while he became a member of the executive committee of the revolutionaries.The committee had very little money. It needed money quite a lot of it to buy arms and ammunition. It needed thousands of rupees. Ramaprasad thought of a plan. Why not take up the publication of writings which would, on the one hand, spread the
revolutionary ideas and, on the other hand, bring them money? He took four hundred
rupees as a loan from his mother and published a book entitled 'How Did America Attain freedom? 'At that time a revolutionary leader by name Gendalal Dikshit had been imprisoned at Gwalior. Ramaprasad was very keen on drawing public attention towards him and win him people's sympathy. Therefore he printed a pamphlet entitled 'A Message to My Countrymen.' By his book trade, he could not only repay the loan he had taken from his mother but could also make a profit of two hundred rupees. But the then Govern- ment of the United Provinces banned both these books.

Publication of books brought them money and this, in turn, brought them arms. On an
earlier occasion Ramaprasad had wandered in Gwalior City and had bought a revolver. With this experience he went there again. In those days collection of arms was comparatively easier in the native states.

Ramaprasad observed in a shop in the market a few muzzle loaders along with swords, shields and daggers. He gathered enough courage and approached the owner and casually inquired what they would cost.

'Well, don't you sell, any rifles and revolvers?" he asked. The shop owner showed some muzzle loader pistols and said, "Please come again.I shall somehow manage to get one or two rifles and revolvers." Ramaprasad purchased some muzzle loader pistols and daggers and returned.

A few such visits gave him some know- ledge of fire arms. He could make out which weapon was old and which was new and the price of every weapon.

Once he was about to fall into the hands of the police. The police of Gwalior State got
scent of the collection of arms. Aconstable of the confidential investigationdepartment approached Ramaprasad and offered to get him some weapons. He took Ramaprasad with him. Can you guess where he took him? To the house of a police inspector!

Luckily for him the inspector was not at home. A constable was standing guard in front of the house. Ramaprasad happened to know him. He managed to elude the eye of the constable who had taken him there, and asked the man keeping guard there whose house it was. He was assured it was the house of a police inspector. In the twinkling of an eye Ramaprasad vanished. But somehow the police constable had already found out that the team had collected weapons and that they intended to move them that very day. Ramaprasad, who had now grown cautious, walked past several railway stations with the weapons; then he boarded the train and reached Shahjahanpur.

Another time he had to purchase a revolver from a Police Superintendent who was about to retire. The Superintendent had his own doubts and hesitated; so Ramaprasad got an affidavit prepared declaring that he was the son of aZimindar, (a rich land-lord) and forged two signatures of Zamindars in Hindi and the signature of a Police Inspector in English. Anyhow he managed to buy the revolver.

So they managed to collect a goodquantity of weapons such as rifles, muzzle loaders,
revolvers, cartridges, daggers and knives.

Sale of Banned Books

The Indian National Congress was to meet in Delhi. Ramaprasad felt that it would be a
good opportunity to sell the remaining copies of 'How Did America Attain Freedom? ‘An ambulance team was sent to Delhi on behalf of Shahjahanpur Seva Samithi. Volunteers of the ambulance team could move about freely. The book had been banned by the United Provinces Government, hadn't it? The young men of Shahjahanpur used this very fact to advertise the book. They kept crying: "How Did America Attain Freedom' - the book banned in the United Provinces" and began to sell the books.

This drew the attention of the secret police and they surrounded the Congress camp.
They began a hunt for the young men who were selling the books. As soon as Ramaprasad got scent of this he ran to the tent where the books were stocked. He
wrapped them up in his big over coat and, displaying the red badge of theambulance,
walked on with the bundle. He was in the uniform of a volunteer of the ambulance team and walked right into the Congress camp right under the nose of the police. The police could not enter the Congress camp without the permission of the Reception Committee. Thus all the copies of the book were saved. Later they were sold.

In The Shadow of Death

When he returned to Shahjahanpur from Delhi, he learnt that the police were on the look out for him and his friends. Because of a quarrel between two members of the
revolutionary committee, the police had been able to get details of their arms dump. As this internal quarrel took place at Mainpuri, the case was conducted there and came to be known as the Maitipuri Conspiracy case.

As soon as Ramaprasad learnt about this, he left Shahjahanpur with three friends. They wandered here and there for some time and reached Prayag. There they camped in a choultry. Heated arguments developed among them about the future course of action. His friends felt that there was one coward in the group; they feared that, if he were arrested, the police would learn all their secrets. Their solution to the problem was to kill that member. Rama prasad did not 'agree. So the friends were now angry with him.

One evening, all the four went for a stroll to the banks of the river Yamuna. Rama prasad bathed and sat down for his evening prayers. One friend said, "Rama prasad, sit near the river." Ramaprasad was sitting on a mound. He began his prayers there. The friends sat down near by. As, with his eyes closed, he was immersed in prayers, he heard a whiz and was startled. A bullet whizzed past his ear. Opening his eyes he reached out for his revolver and turned back. Another friend was about to shoot. By the time Ramaprasad took out his revolver, two more shots rang out. As his revolver was in a leather case he took some time to take it out. By the time he stood up with his revolver, his friends had run away.

Ramaprasad was stunned and frustrated, when he realized that a serious attempt had been made to kill him. The bullet had passed within a foot from him. If he pursued the friends, bloodshed was certain. Moreover he was one against three. He would have to collect his supporters before making a move.

A Cowherd -Writer

He spent that night with a friend and then went to Lucknow. He gave a detailed report of the incident to the othermembers of the revolutionary committee. He wandered in a forest for a while gloomily and then went to his mother. Hearing the woeful tale of her son she suggested that he should go to the relatives in Gwalior State.

In the meanwhile the police had filed a case against him. They asked Muralidhar to surrender his son; they threatened his property would be confiscated. He sold his
property for whatever price he could get and went away with his family to join his son.

During this period when he was in hiding Ramaprasad became a farmer. He took to
agriculture and animal husbandry. But above all he learnt to express his revolutionary ideas in literature. He trans- lated many Bengali works into Hindi. He wrote original works, too. He had to take the cattle out to graze. He then carried writing materials with him. He would allow the cattle to graze and he would settle down in the shade to write. Thus he wrote 'The Bolshevic Programme,' 'A Sally of the Mind,' 'Catherine' and 'Swadeshi Rang' and translated two works. He translated 'Yogic Sadhana' of Maharshi Aurobindo. All these were published in a series called 'Sushil Mala'. 'Prabha', a periodical run by Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, used to publish his articles.

In the year 1919, when the First World War was over, the Government of India changed its policy towards the revolu- tionary and national movements. Political cases were withdrawn. Political convicts were released. Ramaprasad returned to Shahjahanpur. Independent Life

So far as money was concerned, Ramaprasad's family faced a very grave situation. One sister was old enough to be
married. But even satisfying the needs of life was a problem.

Therefore Ramaprasad devoted his attention to the affairs of his family. At first he tried to reorganize his publication venture and earn some money. It did not work well.

With the help of some friends he became the manager of a factory. With a steady income his financial position improved.

Gradually he turned to the reorganization of the revolutionary movement also, but all
over the country, the non-cooperation movement was gaining ground. Moreover, there was a dearth of ability among those who volunteered to lead the revolutionary
movement. On the whole revolutionary activities had come to a standstill.

Ramaprasad arranged to get some capital and started a silk weaving factory. He worked devotedly day and night. In a matter of a year and a half his factory established itself. The capital of three or four thousand yielded a net, profit of two thousand. During this period he married off his last sister to a Zamindar. His mother wished that he should also marry. But he was not prepared to marry until he could stand on his own legs.

Reorganization

After Mahatma Gandhiji withdrew the non- cooperation movement in 1921, the
revolutionary movement regained strength. An all-India revolutionary party called 'The
Hindusthan Republican Association' was formed.

In the United Provinces (the Uttar Pradesh of today) too the revolutionaries re- organized themselves. A call went forth to Ramaprasad,too. He asked for six month’s time, to establish his business on a firm footing and make it over to some reliable person. Within that period he made over his business to a friend and turned again to revolutionary activities.

The revolutionary movement had the support of the people.There was no dearth of workers.But lack of funds haunted them. It became exceedingly difficult even to provide food and clothing to members who devoted their entire life and energy to the institution. Collection of weapons was next to impossible.

Disappointed young members used to come to Ramaprasad and ask him, 'What next, Panditji?" He would feel unhappy at their miserable plight. But what could he do without money? So he concentrated on collection of money.

They resorted to dacoity and looting in one or two villages. But a hundred or two hundred rupees they secured could not be of much use. Another thought troubled
Ramaprasad. Who, after all, were the victims of these dacoities? They were the villagers who were also Indians. The dacoits might have acted with excellent intentions.But what was the good of getting money, by harassing our own brothers?

Immersed in such thoughts, he was travelling one day by a train, which was going from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow. At each station,when the train halted he would get off and move about on the platform. He observed that at each station the StationMaster brought bags of money and put them in the Guard's carriage. There was no special guard to protect themoney. Ramaprasad noted that it was the eight down train.

A plan to secure money for the revolu- tionary activities gradually took shape in his head.

The Kakori Rail Dacoity

Kakori is a village near Lucknow. It became famous, because the attack on the train took place near by.

It was the evening of the 9th of August 1925; the number eight down train was passing near Kakori. Ramaprasad and his nine revolutionary followers pulled the chain and stopped it. They looted the money belonging to the government, deposited in the Guard's carriage. Excepting that one passenger was killed by an accidental shot, there was no
bloodshed.

This extremely well planned dacoity jolted the government. After a month of detailed
preliminary inquiries and elaborate preparations the government cast its net wide for the revolutionaries. Arrest warrants were issued not only against the ten participants but also against other leaders of the Hindusthan Republican Association. With the lone exception of Chandrashekhar Azad, all participants were caught.

The case went on for over a year and a half, Ramaprasad, Ashfaqullah Roshan Singh and Rajendra Lahiri all four were sentenced to death, A strong campaign was organized throughout India to save the lives of these revolutionary heroes. All the leaders of public life appealed to the British Government to show mercy to the condemned men. But the Government was unyielding.

On the 18th of December 1927, Rajendra Lahiri was hanged. Ramaprasad and
Ashfaqullah were executed on the 19th and Roshan Singh on the 20th. All of them
greeted death bravely, with a smile on their faces. Thus they added a magnificent
chapter to the history of the freedom movement.

Autobiography

While awaiting execution, Ramaprasad wrote his autobiography. It is considered as a work of rare excellence in Hindi literature.

Ramaprasad was always under strict watch. And yet he wrote the book and it was successfully smuggled out of the prison. This itself was a feat of great courage.

Ramaprasad got thick register like books and sent the manuscript out of prison in three installments. The final pages were written on the 17th of December; and they were sent out through Shiv Varma, a friend who interviewed him on the next day. The book was published in 1929 and was immediately banned by the Government.

It saw the light of day again only in free India.

His narrative covers a wide span; his ancestors, his interesting childhood, his entry into the Arya Samaj, his flights from the police, his experience in the revolutionary movement, the internal squabbles -all find their place there. There are intimate pen pictures of his mother, his grandmother, and his teacher and close friends. The style is captivating and at times compels tears.

Addressing his mother, he says, 'Mother dear, who gave me birth, bless me! Bless me that my heart may not flinch even at the last moment. Bless me so that I leave this body prostrating myself at your sacred feet and praying to the Almighty.' Pandit Gendalal Dixit, the main accused in the Mainpuri Conspiracy case, eluded arrest
and died of tuberculosis at Delhi in pitiable conditions. Referring to him Ramaprasad
writes, 'He never even dreamt that he would have to sacrifice his life in such helpless circumstances in the service of his Motherland. His greatest desire was to be killed by a bullet.A great soul of Bharath passed away. But no one in the country heard of it even.'

Ramaprasad had thought deeply about the future of the revolutionary movement to
which he had given the greater part of his life. He wrote: 'Historically our work is very
valuable - this anyone must concede. It proclaimed that, even when India was
downtrodden, the youth of the country yearned for freedom and that they struggled for freedom to the best of their ability.' Considering the conditions of the day he gave this advice to the youth of India: 'I know this for certain the revolutionary movement in India will not succeed for the next fifty years. The conditions are not favorable……give up the desire to arm yourselves with pistols and revolvers and become real servants of the country – this is my last message to our youth.'

The Poet 'Bismil'

'Bismil' is the penname of Ramaprasad. As 'Bismil' he is well known as a great
revolutionary poet in Hindi. At the end of his autobiography, he has reproduced some selected poems. Every line of his poems throbs with patriotic fervor.

In one poem he prays: 'Even if I have to face death a thousand times for the sake of my Motherland, I shall not be sorry. Oh Lord!Grant me a hundred births in Bharath. But grant me this, too, that each time I may give up my life in the service of the Mother land.'

In a poem written just before going to the gallows, he prays: 'Oh Lord! Thy will be done. You are unique. Neither my tears nor I will endure. Grant me this boon, that to my last breath and the last drop of my blood, I may think of you and be immersed in your work.'

Hard As A Diamond, Yet Soft As A Flower

Ramaprasad Bismil was an exemplary man who lived like a hero and died like a hero. In him were blended those great qualities which Indian culture has regarded as ideal and has held in great respect.

The Motherland, trodden under the iron heel of the foreigner, should become free; the right way to achieve it was armed revolution - so he thought. No matter what problems and obstacles came in his way, no matter what thorns crowded his way, he walked with his head held high. Death lay in wait on that path. But yet he did not flinch.

He was never treacherous to anyone. When he suspected treachery, he denounced the traitors without casing for their position or prestige. In a way, he had to die only because he was not prepared to be treacherous.

In his autobiography he has narrated how he was arrested and taken to the police station in connection with the Kakori case. 'The arrests had kept the police officers busy throughout the night and they had not slept. They all went away. Even the one constable who was on guard was fast asleep. Only one clerk was in the station busy writing. He was Roshan Singh's cousin. If I had wished,I could have simply walked out. But that clerk would have got into great trouble. I called him and told him that I would walk away if he was prepared to face the consequences. He knew me well. He fell at my feet and said that he would be arrested if I did so and that his wife and children would have to starve and die. I pitied him.' After a little while Rama- prasad found an excuse to go out; the constable on guard went with him. The other constables said, "Put him in chains" but he declared, " I have faith in him, he will not run away." 'We went to a lonely place. I placed my palms on the wall and looked back. The guard was watching a wrestling match and was absorbed in it. One leap and I could have scaled the wall. After that who could have caught me? But my inner self said, "Would you cheat and send to prison that poor constable who trusted you and gave you so much freedom? Is it right? What will his, wife and children think of you?" This thought filled my mind, I drew a long breath, called the guard and returned to the police station.'

Whether it was a clerk or a constable, the man who had trusted him should not be
betrayed. This was his principle. Even in prison, the prison guards had great faith in him because of his conduct. Even after he was sentenced to death, his principles remained unchanged.He was not prepared to escape, leaving those who had trusted him in trouble.

The Kakori Rail Dacoity is a great land, mark in the history of the revolutionary
movement in India. It was the brave Rama- prasad Bismil who planned and executed it
faultlessly.

Ramaprasad Bismil lives forever in our memory as a revolutionary, as a revolu- tionary - writer and, above all, as an ideal man.

"Even if I have to face death a thousand times for the sake of my Motherland I shall not be sorry. Oh Lord! Grant me a hundred births in Bharath. But grant me this, too, that each time I may give up my life in the service of the Motherland."

This prayer should echo in each and every soul in free India.

Indian Freedom Fighter - Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Introduction: "Swaraj is our brithright" thundered Tilak, the Lion of India. He founded schools and published newspapers all for his motherland. He wore him- self out till his last breath, to awaken his countrymen.

BalGangadhar Tilak

"If 5 sheep eat up all the grass in a meadow in 28 days, how many sheep will eat up the grass in 20 days?"

"Seven sheep, sir," flashed back the answer even before the teacher finished his question.

'Who is it that answered without working out the sum?" Thundered the teacher.

Two or three voices shouted, "Bal, sir."

The teacher went near Bal. He took his note book and glanced through it. Should he not at least take down the problem, let alone work it out?

"Where have you worked the sum?"

Bat, with a mischievous smile, pointed to his head with his index finger.

"You should work the problem in your. book," the teacher said.

'Why? I will do it orally," replied Bat.

Bal's classmates found it difficult to under- stand certain problems even when the teacher did them thrice. But, to Bat mathe- matics was as easy as drinking Water. Sanskrit, of course, was like peeled banana to him!

Intelligent But Mischievous

Bal's father Gangadhar Ramachandra Tilak was a Sanskrit scholar and a famous teacher. Because of his scholarship, he had become'Gangadharpant' to every one.

Bal learnt all the . lessons at home and there was noth ing left to learn at school.

Though Bat was very intelligent, he was not his teachers' favourite because of his mischievousness. From his childhood, he used to form independent views. He took an independent stand always. He was very much different from boys of his age.

Those were the days of his schooling in the primary school at Ratnagiri.

One afternoon the teacher entered the class after the interval and foundgroundnut shells scattered in the classroom. Naturally he grew angry.He took his cane andasked, "Who scattered the groundnut shells like this?"

There was silence. The teacher's anger rose.

"Speak, who ate the groundnuts?" No one confessed. The teacher lost his temper. He decided to punish the entire class. He began to give each boy two cuts with his cane. When Bal's turn came, he did not hold out his hand."I did not eat the ground- nuts. So I will not receive the cuts."

"Then who ate the groundnuts?" "It is said that carrying tales is bad. So I won't tell."

Bal's straightforwardness and truthfulness made the teacher himself uncomfortable.

He became angry, too. He sent him out of the school.And Bal's fatherGangadharpant received a complaint against his son.

Next day, the father brought Bal to the school. He said that what his son had said was true. Bal was not in the habit of eating anything outside his home and he, the father,never gave his son money to buy anything.

Even at that young age it was Tilak's nature to protest against injustice.

Childhood

He liked stories very much. Soon after his studies, he would run to his grandfather to hear stories from him. His grandfather had lived in Kashi during the days of the 1857
Revolution (the first war of Independence). On hearing the stories about the revolutionaries like Nana Saheb, Tatia Tope and Jhansi Rani, Bal would be thrilled.

Oh! What great men were they who sacrificed their lives for the country! When he grew up he, too, should serve his country like them and free Mother India from salvery this became his heart's desire.

Bal was ten years old whenGangadharpant was transferred to Pune. Coming from Ratnagiri to Pune was a milestone in the life of Bal Tilak.

A new place and new people.

By joining the Anglo-Vernacular School in Pune, young Tilak was able to get good education from well known teachers.

Bal's mother passed away only a few months after coming to Pune. Fasts and strict religious observances had made her weak and thin. She wished for a son, and undertook a strenuous from of the worship of the Sun God for eighteen months. The boy who was born by the grace of the Sun God, was instrumental in making thesunset in the British Empire!

Bal lost his father also six years after his mothers death. Then he was 16 years old.

He was studying in the Matriculation Class. He had been married to a ten-year old girl called Sathyabhama.

At College

Naturally one's responsibility increases after marriage. Now Bal Tilak became 'Bal Gangadhar Tilak'. After passing the Matriculation Examination he joined the Deccan Col lege.

His health was delicate as his mothers. How could he sacrifice his life for the country if his body was weak? So, Tilak decided to' improve his physique even at the cost of his studies during the first year at college.

He used to do physical exercises every day. And his food was regulated but nutritious.

In the course of one year, Tilak was first in all games and sports.He became anexpert swimmer and wrestler. He developed his body so well that all wondered at such radiant health.

In 1877, Tilak got his B.A. degree. It was no wonder that he got first class marks in mathematics. He continued his studies and got the LL.B. degree also.

Dedicated To The Country

Tilak, being a double graduate, could easily have got a well-paid job like others, under the British. But, as he had decided when he was young, he dedicated himself to the service of his country.

The concept of Swaraj had yet to blossom in the minds of the people. They had to be made to feel that thirst for independence. Patriotism had to be nurtured. To lay a strong foundation for a new way of life, an educational institution reflecting Indian culture had to be estab lished. EveryIndian had to be taught about Indian culture and national ideals.Good citizens can bemould ed only through good education. Such were the views of ' Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

His classmate Agarkar gave him full support. As Tilak and Agarkar were work- ing out the plans for a system of education which would make students truly useful to the country, another great person, Vishnu- shastry Chiplunkar, joined them.

The New School-A Banyan Tree

Chiplunkar, himself a teacher, wished that at least the younger generations should receive the fight type of education.

The people's blind faith that British rule was God's gift to India had to be wiped out.

Tilak, Agarkar and Chiplunkar were. three persons im pelled by the same ideal. They joined hands to create an educational institution to develop moral strength in the pupils.

The educational institution planned and founded by Tilak is like a banyan tree. The little seedling planted by him, has grown into a gigantic tree with many branches, and every branch has meant renewed. life and a new educa tional institution.

The New English School has now grown into the 'Deccan Education Society'. This society now runs the Fergusson College and the Greater Maharashtra Commerce and Economics College in Pune, the Willingdon College in Sangli and the Bombay College in Bombay as well as a number of high schools.

As the New English School started in 1880, progressed, k attracted larger and still larger numbers of pupils. This was a school which reflected out culture and the ideals of our life and was thus our very own. It was also secur ing the best results in the examinations. Teachers Were so preparing their pupils for the examinations as to secure all the scholarships for their school. Tilak and his colleagues toiled not a little for the school. During the first year, neither Tilak nor Chiplunkar drew even a rupee as salary.