Not many of us know this, but there are numerous war memorials around the world dedicated to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in battle—even before India won Independence in 1947.
These war memorials are scattered across the globe, from Europe to Africa and even across the northern regions of Canada.
Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Monday said the National Archives’ records related to freedom fighters would be digitised within a year as a part of the commemoration of 75 years of Independence next year.
Mr. Reddy, who took over the Culture and Tourism Ministries after the Cabinet reshuffle last week, visited the National Archives on Monday morning. After his visit, he told media that the National Archives of India, which houses over 18 crore pages, 64,000 volumes and 1.2 lakh maps, had started the digitisation process, but it would take a long time to complete.
“The records of the freedom movement and freedom fighters would be digitised in the coming year as a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” he said, referring to the year-long series of activities leading up to Independence Day 2022.
Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair was known for being a passionate advocate for social reforms and a firm believer in the self-determination of India.
Johar announced that his film will “unravel the legendary courtroom battle” that Nair fought. The film is adapted from the book, ‘The case that shook the empire’ written by Nair’s great-grandson Raghu Palat and his wife Pushpa Palat in 2019.
Mr. Gowder, who was a fixture at Independence Day and Republic Day events till a few years ago, was more than 90-years-old. He had stopped attending public events organised by the district administration in recent years due to failing health.
He was active in protests against the British government and was even arrested and lodged in jail in Coimbatore and Bangalore (now Bengaluru), said officials from the district administration.
“Official records show that nearly 83 leaders from the Nilgiris were arrested, fined or imprisoned… with a few of the prominent leaders being Rao Sahib V.I. Munuswamy Pillai from Ooty (who served as Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development), Bokkai Gowder of Bikkaty village (elected Coonoor MLA in 1967) and M.K.Nanja Gowder of Ketti (elected as MP in 1971).