The "Azadi Express" train arrived at the
Vasco-da-Gama Railway Station Goa yesterday morning.
The 12 bogie comparments of the train provides
through the audio and visual media exhibits relating
to The First War of Independence 1857, 1907 the Birth
Year of Shaheed Bhagat Singh 1947 Indian Independence
2007 commemoration of these anniversaries.
One gets a close look at the Indian Map as it existed
in 1857 the over 550 princely states the mutinees,
the arrival of the British in India, Lord Macaulays
agenda, for the entrenching British rule in India.
The various Governor Generals that ruled India the
first Indian National Congress meet in 1885 the first
constituent Assembly in June 1946. It moves beyond
the Independence and down to the 1974 Pokharan nuclear
test followed by the great famine of 1964 the
nationalisation of Banks in 1969 Indira Gandhi's
'garibi hatao" 1971 etc The policy of Liberalisation
and other achievements. The Bhakra Nangal Dam. The
"garibi rath" train module introduced by the present
Union Minister for Railways Mr Laloo Prasad Yadav also
finds a place of prominence. Mahatma Gandhi's era and
contribution to the freedom struggle is another
feature. Interesting books on freedom struggle and
khadi garments and products like honey incense sticks
are also for sale at the end compartment . It takes
almost 45 minutes to cover the entire twelve bogies
but a must visit for every Goan -- Exit
The "Azadi Express" began its journey from 28th
September, 2007 and will move around the country until
15th May, 2008.
The crowd of curious onlookers include a large number
of children who are presently enjoying their X"mas
vacations.
When this writer met some of the parents and children
in the train this evening at 1615 hrs they expressed
the desire that the train should have also been kept
at Margao Railway station for the benefit of people
from the South and East of Goa. They recollect a
similar opportunity where the science exhibition train
was stationed at Margao and received a record crowd
some years ago.
One very interesting facet of the exhibition was large
photographs placed outside the Entry point of the
exhibition which speaks of the struggle for Liberation
of Goa from the erstwhile 451 years of Portuguese
rule. Photographs of Dr Ram Lohia Maidan Dr Tristao
Braganza Cunha. The historic meet at Lohia Maidan on
18th June 1946 the riots that followed. A message from
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru eulogising the role of Dr T B
Cunha described aptly as the Father of Goan
nationalism dated 13.8.1960.
Then the " Instrument of Surrender " signed by the
last Governor General of "State of India" which
states " General Manuel Antonio Vassalo Silva Chief
Commandant of Armed Forces of State of Portugal
---offer unconditional surrender ----of Armed forces
of Goa in my capacity of Chief Commandant Goa at 2030
of 19th December, 1961 sd General Manuel Antonio
Vassalo Silva. It would be worthwhile if the
Government of Goa obtains a fascimile copy of the
above instrument for our records.
There is an air plane F-BIAO - with a signage
"Portugal Go Home" showing some Portuguese armed
forces in military fatigues bidding farewell to Goa
from the Dabolim Airfield.
The final picture of surrender shows the Governor
General Vassalo Silva at a Prisoners of War Camp in
conversation with General Thapar of the Indian Army.
The surrender shows Governor General Silva calm and
composed.
It is certain that in the days to come there will be
much more visitors especially children who need to be
inculcated the spirit of nationalism and the freedom
struggle with Mangal Pandey Shaheed Bhagat Singh etc.
One can easily conclude that the influence of western
concepts was intended by Lord Macaulay to disintegrete
our great land its culture and social milieu for the
British Empire knew too well that only a divide and
rule policy could help them establish their reign in
the country for nearly two hundred years. This he
suggested in a note put up to the Crown in England
having travessed the lenght and breadth of the country
and studying the ground reality.
The Chief Minister of Goa Mr Digamber Kamat and the
Governor of Goa could use their good offices with the
Indian Railways to have the "Azadi Express" in Margao
Railway Station -- this would be a great boon for
children.
from the " Azadi Express " Camp Vasco-da-Gama
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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