Andhra Pradesh: Gandhian values can bring change, says Kandala Subrahmanya Tilak

Visakhapatnam: “The fruit of independence is yet to reach the common man and it’s not only the government but the people of the country too who are responsible for it,” feels 98-year-old freedom fighter and the first parliamentarian from Vizianagaram, Kandala Subrahmanya Tilak.

Born on July 15, 1920, the freedom fighter, socialist and Gandhian to the core, has been residing in Vizag for many years. His father, Kandala Seshasai, was a school teacher and nationalist. Inspired by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, he named his son after him.

Though old age has restricted his physical movements, Mr Tilak’s love and concern for the country is unwavering. He still has tremendous faith in young people and hopes that the sacrifices of the freedom fighters will bring change in a country he believes is rooted in Gandhian culture.

“We got independence in 1947, but seven decades later, many are still not independent financially or politically. The fundamental issues of food, shelter, education and employment for all are still the basic problems of the country. Social in-equalities are growing and corruption is increasing like cancer. Not only should the government discharge its duty properly, but the people also must fight for their rights and contribute to the nation’s growth,” said Mr Tilak, making a sharp and accurate analysis of the state of the country.

The nonagenarian pointed out that progress should take place at such a pace that reservation in various sectors would not be required anymore. Mr Tilak participated in the Quit India movement and was jailed for about four months from August 28, 1942 in Alipore-com jail at Bellary in Karnataka. He was jailed once again in Vizianagaram on January 26, 1943, for 14 days, when he hoisted the Indian flag, an offence under British rule.