The day that was 10th May
We all know and say that public memory is short, it tends to forget for it’s own loss. But if the memory loss is so acute that it makes us forget key events of our history then it is a disorder. Not stretching the suspense far the day I am talking about is 10th May. Still questions will arise what is so special about that?
It is so special that should be marked with gold because our first war of independence started on this day i.e 10th May 1857.The day decided was 31st May and the planning was meticulous a simple roti was the symbol which was circulated through villages, cities and cantonments. Everybody consuming roti had to take oath of fighting against the foreigners and Bahadurshah was the leader of the war. But circumstances went otherwise and soldiers in Meerut went on a rebellion on this day and before the gora sahibs could sit up and notice the whole North India was up in arms.
Although the plan did’nt go well still it was enough to shake the company raj to it’s roots.Even Lord Canning the then Governor General noted “ If Scindias of Gwalior join I will have to pack off”. Almost 100 thousand soldiers forgetting their caste & creed fought as sons and daughters of our beloved motherland. It produced a galaxy of leaders Nanasaheb Peshwa & Tatya Tope from Kanpur,Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, Kunwarsingh from Ara, Ahmedshah from Audh and a lot of others. But their own brethren like Sikhs fought against them and South India did’nt create a whimper. Englishmen with their superior technology ,skills and imperial backing took almost a year to douse of what was the most serious challenge to their power after Marathas.
They failed but in act not in vision. They had a clear vision of free India and wanted it at the cost of even their kingdoms, families and lives. They did what they could to the best of their efforts and finally all of them except Nanasaheb who vanished gave the last measure of dedication i.e life for the dearest cause of Independence. It is to those that we should look upto when in doubt that what can a aamadmi like you and me do for a country of continental proportions not only in size but in problems.
If you have a clear vision like them and are ready to give your full measure of devotion you will change the course of history like they did.
P.S: Even 11th & 13th May is an important day can you tell me why especially for India?
