Indian-Americans celebrate 100 years of Ghadar movement in US | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Indian-Americans celebrate 100 years of Ghadar movement in US

PTI | By, Washington
Jul 29, 2013 04:16 PM IST

Hailing the contribution of leaders of the Ghadar movement in India's freedom struggle, Indian-Americans from across the US have called for remembering their sacrifices annually on Memorial Day.

Hailing the contribution of leaders of the Ghadar movement in India's freedom struggle, Indian-Americans from across the US have called for remembering their sacrifices annually on Memorial Day.

HT Image
HT Image


"The Indian-American community, at least on Memorial Day (the last Monday of May), should remember the sacrifices of Ghadarites," said California-based Inder Singh, chairman of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Singh, the co-author of 'The Ghadar Heroics', said the Indian-American community leaders should organise tribute events to perpetuate the memory of the brave Indian-Americans who laid down their lives in pursuit of freedom for India.

"It will be somewhat like organising India Independence day. It will be a great community service to educate our community of our Indian American history, of our Indian American heritage, of passing on the legacy of the pioneers to the next generation," he said in his remarks at an event held in the Greater Washington Area last night.

Singh has been leading effort in the US towards the centennial celebrations of Ghadar movement.

In her address, Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao said the Ghadar movement heralded the independence movement of the country.

She listed out the steps being taken by the Indian government, including release of a stamp by the Prime Minister early this year, to recognise the significant contribution of the movement in India's freedom struggle.

"It is the spirit of sacrifice, the spirit of courage that was exemplified by these young people, who were inspired by the call of freedom," Rao said.

The Ghadar Memorial Hall in San Francisco would be converted into a functional library and museum by the Indian Government, she said.

Surinder Pal Singh, 76, the grandson of Bhagwan Singh, one of the eminent Ghadarites, who flew in from Atlanta for the occasion, said there is need to recognize the contribution of the Ghadar movement and its leaders in the freedom struggle.

"Just releasing a stamp is not enough. It has been kept away from history books," he said, adding that it is time that Ghadar movement be made part of the history text books.

It was a century ago that in 1913, a handful of patriotic Indian-Americans on the West Coast launched the Ghadar movement and they established its headquarters in San Francisco.

Inder Singh said the current generation of Indian- Americans knows very little about the history of Indians in America and no effort has been made in this regard so far.

"To know the legacy of the pioneers and pass on to the next generation rests solely on us and particularly on our community leaders who organize various events," he said.

"Every year, Americans pay tribute to their martyrs. The last Monday of May is observed annually as Memorial Day - a day of national awareness and reverence, to honour those who have given their all in service to their country," he said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On