Freedom fighters flag off train to Delhi, recall memories of struggle
Hyderabad: Three freedom fighters from the Telangana region flagged off the Telangana Express — Hyderabad-Delhi Train 12723 —from the Hyderabad station on Friday as part of the ‘Azadi Ki Rail Gadi aur Stations’ to commemorate 75 years of Independence amid patriotic songs played by the SCR’s Railway Protection Force band.
The freedom fighters K. Chandra Prakash Rao, P. Mohan Rao, and G. Galaiah told Deccan Chronicle that flagging off the train was a matter of pride and joy because it brought back memories of their time fighting for freedom and how they were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and carried on his work.
Prakash Rao, 92, has vivid memories of the day he first saw Mahatma Gandhi at the Warangal station. Nearly 76 years later, he still finds the experience remarkable and precious. "It wasn't a meeting. We exchanged a 'namaste'. I was a young man of 16 or 17. We are grateful for this recognition, even after all these years. I participated in the Satyagraha movement as a young student. Perhaps, we are the last batch of freedom fighters still alive,” said Prakash Rao.
Under the tutelage of Swami Ramananda Tirtha, Prakash Rao participated in the student march and was one of those who were imprisoned in Warangal. He was a ’Bala Bhatudu’ under the well-known freedom fighter Hayagrivachary in 1946.
The aged patriot noted that the state government frequently extends invitations to freedom fighters to participate in Independence Day celebrations at Parade Grounds. But he lamented that "we are not being invited" after the formation of the new state.
For Galaiah, the event gave an opportunity to revisit his recollection of the freedom struggle. “This is a pleasant surprise from the railways. It was nice to meet other freedom fighters who were with us during those days. It brought back our memories like a flash,” he said.
Since the age of 15, Galaiah had participated in the Indian freedom movement. He took part in the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Operation Polo or the Hyderabad police action in 1948. He was sent to the Warangal sub-jail during the student agitation in Parakala.
Along with senior railway officials Arun Kumar Jain, general manager (in-charge) SCR, Abhay Kumar Gupta, divisional railway manager, and others attended the ceremony.
