On 29th March 1857, Mangal Pandey, the 29th year old sepoy of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry (BNI), Regiment of British East India Company, Barrackpore, Calcuttta   shot the British Officers for their bad treatment of the sepoys including  compelling them to use the beef/pig fat for greasing the gun catridges.  This incident is stated to be the starting point of the ‘First War of Independence’ or the ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ as the British historians called it.

Mangal Pandey was captured and he was hanged on 8th April 1857. He is considered as the first martyr of the First Was of Independence. The above photo show the memorial erected for him at Barrackpore where he was hanged and cremated.

How many valuable lives of the people of India have been sacrificed at the altar of independence! We remember Mangal Pandey on his 159th Martyrdom Day!

I am happy that many comrades, friends and well- wishers are sending comments and opinions supporting and appreciating the views expressed or opposing and having a different view. Both appreciations and criticisms are welcome and I am much thankful to all of them. I reply to their points in addition to publishing their comments.
But in some rare cases, the comments are full of abuses and unfounded accusations, which are neither suitable nor appropriate for being published or answered in social media. Hence those friends should excuse me for not publishing them and answering them. It is once again pointed out I am not averse to any criticism but it should be in a publishable form.
V.A.N.Namboodiri

3rd April 2016 is the 336 death anniversary of Chhatrapathi Shivaji, who died on the same date in 1680. His exploits and wars against the Mughals to keep the freedom of his kingdom are legends which are still remembered. The Mumbai Railway Station is named in his memory.