Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Since India is marking the 75^th Independence this year, we are launching ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav‘ series wherein we’ll cover 3-4 unsung heroes and important Freedom Movements this entire week.

Alluri Seetarama Raju

• He remains an idol for the tribesmen of Andhra Pradesh. He united various tribes, taught them guerrilla warfare and trained them to fight back with the colonial power.
• He was one of the bravest revolutionaries and freedom fighters.
• Alluri Seetarama initiated the famous “Rampa Rebellion” or Manyam Rebellion in 1922-1924.
  • During the period of two years, he fought multiple times with the British troops, always winning against them.
  • This gave him the title of “ManyamVeerudu” or the “Hero of Jungle”.
• In the year 1986, the Indian Postal Department issued a stamp on his behalf, featuring his struggle for Independence.

PottiSriramulu

• Sriramulu took part in the Indian Independence Movement and was imprisoned for participating in the 1930 Salt Satyagraha.
• He participated in the individual satyagraha and the Quit India movement and was imprisoned on three occasions.
• He was a devout follower, avid supporter and devotee of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • He also joined the Gandhi Ashram established by YerneniSubrahmanyam, in Komaravolu.
• He undertook three fasts, during 1946-1948, in support of Dalitrights to enter holy places, such as the temples of Nellore.
• Commenting on Sriramulu’s dedication and fasting ability, Mahatma Gandhi once said, “If only I have eleven more followers like Sriramulu I will win freedom from British rule in a year.”
• The present-day district of Sri PottiSriramulu Nellore is named after him.

Moji Riba

• MojeRiba, lovingly calledAbohNyiji was a prominent martyr of the freedom movement.
• He was arrested by Britishers in 1947 for campaigning and distribution of Congress pamphlets.
• He was the first person from Arunachal Pradesh to host the national flag at Dipa Village of Arunachal Pradesh on the 15th August, 1947.
• After joining INC, MojeRiba became the first INC President from Arunachal Pradesh.
• Ribawas the first recipience of the TamraPatra Award in 1972 at Shillong by Government of India for his sacrifices and contributions towards freedom struggle.

Jhansi Regiment Case in Army (1940)

• The Rani of Jhansi Regiment was the Women’s Regiment of the Indian National Army, with the aim of overthrowing the British Raj in colonial India. It was one of the all-female combat regiments of the Second World War.
• Led by Lakshmi Sahgal, the unit was raised in July 1943 with volunteers from the expatriate Indian population in South East Asia.
• The Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army (INA) was raised and trained in Japanese-occupied Malaya and Singapore in 1943-45. It saw action against the Allies in Burma during 1944-45.
• The unit was named the Rani of Jhansi Regiment after LakshmiBai, Rani of Jhansi.
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose announced the formation of the Regiment on 12 July 1943.
• Most of the women were teenage volunteers of Indian descent from Malayan rubber estates; very few had ever been to India.
• The cadets were given ranks of non-commissioned officer or sepoy (private) according to their education.
• Some 200 of the cadets were also chosen for nursing training, forming the Chand Bibi Nursing Corps.
• After the fall of Rangoon and the withdrawal of the Azad Hind government and Subhas Chandra Bose from the city and through Burma, the troops originally from Burma were allowed to disband, while the remainder of the regiment retreated along with the retreating Japanese forces on foot and, when available, on mechanised transport.
  • During the retreat it suffered some attacks both, from Allied air attacks, as well the Burmese resistance forces.
• Led by Caption Lakshmi Swaminathan [popularly known as caption Lakshmi Sehgal].