IGNOU honours veterans of Azad Hind Fauj on 77th Anniversary of Quit India Movement
10 August, 2019IGNOU’s Centre of Freedom Struggle and Diaspora Studies honoured Lt. Bharati Choudhary alias Asha Sahay of the Rani Jhansi Regiment of Azad Hind Fauz, Lt. B.N. Pandey, INA and Lt. R. Madhawan INA, the veterans of Azad Hind Fauj for their courage, bravery and contributions for the freedom of Motherland. They had served the Azad Hind Fauj under the Azad Hind Sarkar, the first Government of United India which hoisted the Flags at Moirang and Andaman. They were honoured by Vice-Chancellor IGNOU, Prof. Nageshwear Rao with "Letter of Appreciation" at the inaugural session of the Two-day seminar organized by the Centre of Freedom Struggle and Diaspora Studies, IGNOU on “Showcasing India’s Freedom Struggle through Museums” at B. R. Ambedkar Convention Centre, IGNOU HQ. Lt. Bharati Choudhary and Lt. B.N. Pandey, INA shared their experiences with the audience and also shared their interactions/experiences with Neta ji in INA.
In his introductory address at the inaugural session of the seminar, Prof. Kapil Kumar, Director, Centre of Freedom Struggle and Diaspora Studies, IGNOU who is also the Chief Historian for the four Museums built in the Red Fort, New Delhi, viz., (a) 1857; (b) INA and Bose; (c) Azadi ke Diwane and (d) Jallianwala Bagh, and one at National Library, Kolkata on Icons of Indian Nationalism from the Soil of Bengal, said that the whole purpose of penning history through museum is to highlight the contributions of the forgotten heroes and bring to limelight the immense contribution of the common people in the freedom struggle of India. He said that it pains him as a historian to see the immense involvement of the common people being neglected by our history writers which he wants to showcase through the museums. Talking about Azad Hind Fauzs’ contributions, he said that the endeavour has been to show the documents, letters, and speeches of Neta ji Subhash Chandra Bose to let people know of the INA’s contribution in the freedom struggle. History belongs to the people; he said advocating new version of history told through museums.
Prof. Nageshwear Rao complimented the Centre of Freedom Struggle and Diaspora Studies for organizing the seminar and building the thematic museums which would help common people to be acquainted with the history. He also thanked Lt. Bharati Choudhary and Lt. B.N. Pandey of INA for having come to the university campus and share their experiences in Azad Hind Fauz and with Neta ji. He also congratulated Prof. Kapil Kumar for bringing alive the history and historical facts through museums.
Prof. R.K. Kanahere, PVC while proposing vote of thanks, said that the university is grateful to have the INA veterans and hear their life-experiences while at Azad Hind Fauz. He also urged to learn from Neta ji’s ideologies instilled in INA personnel on Women Empowerment and Brotherhood among different faiths.
After the inaugural session, Prof. Kapil Kumar gave a presentation on the museum “INA and Bose” today. Post lunch session will have presentation on “1857” museum and the second day of seminar would have presentations on the other museums.
