Category Archives: History

Railway, Telegraphs complete 158 years

16 Saturday Apr 2011

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Introduction of two most important services which changed the country vis. Railways and Telegraphs, is completing 158 years on 15th of April 2011. Both were introduced in India by the British, not for the benefit of the people, but for cementing the British rule. India was the jewel in the British empire and they wanted to keep it with them at any cost.

In fact, Railways and Telegraphs helped the British in the crucial First War of Independence, which they called ‘Sepoy Mutiny’. Through telegraph messages, British were able in inform movements of the Indian Sepoys and also direct their own army strategically.

Just like in any invention and technology, both the Railways and Telegraphs were opened for the use of the people later. Now the Railways is the biggest Department of the Indian Government after defence, employing more than 13 lakh workers and running hundreds of trains daily. On the other hand, the telegraphs have almost been relegated to the background due to introduction of new technologies and unprecedented growth of telephones.

It can be stated without any doubt that the Telegraphs and Railways have immensely helped the growth of the country.

Dr. B.R.Ambedkar- Chief Architect of Indian Constitution

14 Thursday Apr 2011

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The entire country will be celebrating the 120th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R.Ambedkar today, 14th April 2011. Dr. Ambedkar was the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution.

But Dr. Ambedkar was much more than that. He was a valiant fighter for the cause of social justice and social equality. He fought his entire life for the upliftment of the depressed classes. In the words of Ram Manohar Lohia: ” A valiant person who fought against the evil of exploitation in all its horrid aspects; one who was convinced that caste was the only obstacle to the nation’s progress; one who openly stated that the parliamentary form of democracy would not be successful, unless the epidemic of casteism was eradicated.”
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, first Prime Minister praised him: ” Dr. Ambedkar would be remembered mostly as the symbol of revolt against all the oppressing features of Hindu society. His virulent opposition to these oppressive features had kept people’s mind awake. … He revolted against something which every body should revolt against”.

Dr. Ambedkar was a leader who inculcated self-respect and the potential to fight for justice among the depressed classes.

Despite all these brave words, it is saddening that even in the 21st century, the oppressive system of untouchability and casteism still remain. In Tamil Nadu, under the leadership of the CPI(M), a strong movement against untouchability has started. Many walls constructed to separate the so-called high and low castes in certain villages have been demolished, but still many remain. Lands allotted to SC/ST are snatched away by the powerful people. No serious effort is being made by the government to ensure education to the depressed classes. Reservation is not fully implemented. Even after 60 years of Independence, these discrimination continues.

On this 120th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar, let us take solemn pledge that each one of us will make all out efforts to remove the scourge of untouchability from the country and to ensure that all men/women are equal and have equal rights This will be our dedication to the memory of this great revolutionary.

Remember Jalianwala Bagh Martyrs – Martyrs Day, 13th April

11 Monday Apr 2011

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One of the darkest chapter in the British Rule was the Jalianwala Bagh massacre of hundreds of innocent Indians who had assembled to protest against the Rowlett Act/hear the speeches of the freedom fighter leaders. This was on 13th April 1919.

The Rowlatt Bill, which curtails the rights of the Indian people and enable the government to impose stringent punishments was strongly opposed by the Congress and the freedom movement. Mahatma Gandhi called for observance of protest strike and disobedience movement against the same. It was also decided to observe 30th March 1919 as protest day by fasting, hartal etc. Five people died in the firing by police in Delhi on that day. Protesting against this countrywide demonstrations were held participated by thousands all over the country.
The entire country was in a protest move.

In Punjab, the situation was more tense. Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, who were the leaders who were organising the 1919 All India Session of the Congress in Punjab were arrested and taken away to some secret place. The people who started protesting were fired upon and some were killed.

A big public meeting was organised to protest the atrocities of the British on 13th April 1919 ay Jalianwala Bagh in Amritsar. More than 20,000 gathered in the place to hear the leaders. When the meeting has started and leaders started speaking, all of a sudden, General Dyer came there with about 150 troops both British and Indian. Immediately he ordered fire against the people gathered there. It is recorded that 1600 rounds were fired and was stopped only when they ran out of ammunition.

It was terrible. Hundreds of people were killed on the spot and thousands were seriously wounded many of whom died later. There was no warning before the firing or at least the people did not know. And even if known, there was no way to disperse. The maidan was surrounded by walls/ houses and there was only a narrow path to go out through which even a vehicle could not pass. According to Government there were 400 killed and more than 1000 wounded. But this is far less than the actual casualty. General Dyer later told arrogantly that he wanted the people to be punished for defying the law. The British cut the water and power supply in the whole of Amritsar. People were fogged for coming out in to the streets. A terror was let loose.

The entire country rose in anger. Protest actions continued for days together. Revolutionary activities increased against the British. General Dyer who returned to England was shot dead by Udham Singh, a youth from Punjab who went to England to avenge the Jalianwala Bagh massacre.

92 years have passed since this brutal massacre of the Indian people. We have got freedom. Every year on 13th April, the day is observed at Jalianwala Bagh, where a martyrs column is erected in memory of those killed, with massive participation, speeches, homage to the martyrs etc. I had the privilege to attend and pay my respectful homage to the martyrs there, two years back.All over Punjab and many centres in India, the day is observed as Jalianwala Bagh Martyrs Day.

I also pay my respectful homage to those martyrs who have sacrificed everything at the altar of the freedom of the country. They will always be an inspiration in our future struggles and advance march.

Homage to Com. B.T.Ranadive

06 Wednesday Apr 2011

Posted by in History, India Left, Obituary, Tributes, Politics India

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I pay my respectful homage to the memory of the great militant working class leader Comrade B.T.Ranadive, founder President of CITU, on his 21st death anniversary. Com. BTR was one of the brilliant theoretician as well as a mass leader of the toiling masses who analysed each and every situation critically and stood like a rock against all attacks from the ruling classes. He was a member of the Politburo of the CPI(M) since its formation in 1964. He died on 6th April 1990.

We will always get inspiration from the memory of Comrade BTR to continue our work and march forward to protect the interests of the working class.

Delhi completes 99 years as Capital of India on 1 April 2011

31 Thursday Mar 2011

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Tomorrow, 1st April 2011, Delhi is completing 99 years as the capital of India. Though the capital of the Moghul emperors were at Delhi and Agra, the British rule started with Calcutta as capital. They made Shimla as the summer capital and all the establishment came to Shimla during winter.

It was on 1st April 1912, that the British shifted to Delhi, the new capital of India. It was a downfall for Calcutta and a big gain for Delhi. The new capital was called New Delhi and new buildings and other infrastructure was made in the New Delhi area. Most of the structures including the Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Central Secretariat etc. were constructed at that time.

We do not know whethe Delhi celebrate the day. Probably they may celebrate the 100th year in 2012, next year.

Homage to Martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru

23 Wednesday Mar 2011

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70 years back on this day, 23rd March, the great young revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were hanged by the British imperialists. They were young in age, but they had the courage to face the mighty British Empire in its den.

The injustices meted out to the Indian people by the British, the atrocities and mass killings of innocent people at Jhalianwallabagh, the exploitation of this great country – all enraged these youngsters in to resorting to revolutionary tactics against the British including armed resistance.

After arrest, they were kept in jail, hands and legs chained just like criminals. In the jail, Bhagat Singh read a lot of books, especially on Marxism, books by Marx, Lenin etc. All these comrades faced the gallows calmly with the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” (Victory to Revolution). They became the ever remembered martyrs of this great Nation.

I pay my respectful homage to these revolutionaries who sacrificed themselves at the altar of Independance of the country.

March 22nd, the Foundation Day of BSNLEU

21 Monday Mar 2011

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22nd March 2011 is the tenth anniversary of the formation of BSNL Emlyoyees Union. (It is also the 34th death anniversary date of Comrade A.K.Gopalan, the revolutionary leader of the working class and the opposition group leader in the Parliament for a long period ).

BSNL Employees Union was formed on 22nd March 2001 in the National Telecom Convention held at Visakhapatnam by merging existing seven unions which were jointly working for some time. It was having about 60,000 members at the time of formation. In the first membership verification it got second position with 90,000 votes, but could not get recognition. In the second verification in 2004, it got the first position and recognition. In the third, fourth and fifth verification it continued to win and became the recognised and representative union.

During its six years of recognition, BSNLEU though discussions and agitations settled a lot of issues including a good wage revision, Promotion Policy, Pension Revision etc. It inculcated in the workers the urge for democratic functioning and progressive outlook. Through sustained struggles under the leadership of JAC, it could stop disinvestment/privatisation, VRS, unbundling etc. in BSNL.

The future is full of challenges. It is our duty to work hard, give best service to the people and save & strengthen BSNL. Let the 10th Anniversary be celebrated towards this target.

Restore Work Committees in BSNL for better efficiency

09 Wednesday Mar 2011

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A few years back, BSNL Employees Union took the initiative in convincing the management to form Work Committees at SSA level so that the issues connected with the work, efficiency, development, expansion etc. can be discussed and services improved. It was later to be extended to circle level also. For some time the meetings were going on, but now it is almost stopped in most of the places. The management is not interested in holding the meetings since they feel that they are being questioned by the workers. On one reason or other, the meetings are blocked by the local management.
Let me make clear. Work Committees are not for raising blame games and accusing each other. It is for co-operation and joint functioning to improve the services. It is to give a better service to the society. It is to save BSNL and strengthen the same.

The management should restore the Works Committees. Let all of us make it effective.

Bijapur Celebrates 10th Anniversary of BSNLEU

02 Wednesday Mar 2011

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Bijapur, it seems, is always in the forefront. Now it started the 10th Anniversary Celebrations from 1st March itself. CHQ BSNLEU has given the call to celebrate the anniversary which falls on 22nd March. Bijapur can not wait till that. They want to make the entire month on celebration.

The celebration started in the morning itself. Along with Com.GB Salakki, Asst. General Secretary, BSNLEU, Com.S.R.Nayak, District Secretary, Bijapur and other leaders we ( myself and my wife Pankajam),went to the orphanage for blind children, which is situated in the town itself. Sweets, Biscuits and fruits were given to them. They were mostly children below 14-15 years, boys and girls were there. They sang songs and the teacher showed us how the children learn through braille system. It was very poignant when they thanked us for the food and started eating them. I donated Rs. 500/  to the school. All over the country our comrades are undertaking such social responsibilities. It should continue.

Next we were taken to the office of the BSNLEU. A computer, donated by three comrades, was inaugurated by me. A procession was held from there to the Telephone Exchange where the celebration was taking place. It was a new experience for me in sitting a chariot in the procession, before which our comrades danced and enjoyed throughout the procession which took about more than one and half hours.

The pandal was full with about 1000 workers who included comrades from nearby stations.  Many people were standing outside the pandal who could not get  seats. Local trade union leaders, officers, circle union leaders and  the press  reporters were there. All the leaders on the dias were honoured. The celebration was inaugurated by me.  I spoke about our organisation, how it grew and the present position. I also spoke on the present situation of T.U. movement, our tasks and the attack on the working class by the government following the neo-liberal policies.

Coms. C.K.Gundanna, Circle Secretary, BP Narayana, Circle President, GB Salakki AGS, S.R.Nayk, Dist. Secretary, Shri Ravichandran, GM Bijapur and other leaders addressed. All congratulated the Bijapur comrades for the grand function.

Bijapur has always been with BSNLEU. It has more than 750 members in the whole division which has got a strength of about 900.

I congratulate the Bijapur comrades who under the leadership Com. G.B. Salakki has held the banner of BSNLEU high.

Tenth Anniversary of BSNLEU

28 Monday Feb 2011

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Only 22 days left for the 10th Anniversary of BSNLEU. BSNL Employees Union was formed on 22nd March 2001 in the massively attended National Telecom Convention held at Visakhapatnam (A.P). During these 10 years, the union has grown and is the majority representative union since 2004, when it was elected with majority through the secret ballot membership verification.

The event will be celebrated throughout the country. I have been invited to attend the 10th year celebration at Bijapur on 1st March.  I have already reached Bijapur.

The Central Executive Committee of BSNLEU will be held at Chennai on 22nd to 24th March 2011 which also will celebrate the 10th Anniversary. 

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