By IANS
New Delhi : Photos, books, cards, cutouts, and video clips on the 1857 war of independence, the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi, the Jallianwala Bagh incident, the Bhoodan movement, patriotic literature and many more memorabilia will be on display on a special train to be launched Friday to “take Indians on a journey through time”.
‘Azadi Express’ – the Mobile Train Exhibition, to celebrate 150 years of the 1857 war, 60 years of independence, and the birth centenary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh begins its journey Friday from New Delhi. Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh and Information and Broadcasting Minister P.R. Dasmunsi will flag off the train.
The special train comprising 11 coaches, decked with material related to all major incidents in the making of India since the first war of independence will journey throughout the country for eight months until May 15, 2008.
“During its journey, it would pass through 70 destinations across the country. It would be stationed at 70 destinations from two to five days each, when general public can visit it and experience the spirit of freedom movement through visual medium,” an official of the culture ministry said.
“Azadi Express takes one on a journey through time. It begins from an era when our country was one of the richest nations of the world, to a time when we were reduced to abject poverty. India fought back, emerged victorious and came firmly back on the road to achieve its past glory,” he added.
The exhibition train depicts the 150 years of India’s history by way of photographs, diorama (re-creation of a natural setting which shows a specific moment in time), cut-outs, scrolls and videos.
Each of the first eight coaches carries a specific epoch in the freedom movement and displays exhibits under various themes like ‘Kompany Raj’; ‘The Lightening’ – incidents and events related to Barrackpore and Meerut when Indian soldiers revolted against the British rule; ‘Fire Spreads’ – reflecting the spread of revolt across northern and eastern India; ‘British Takeover’ – showing the defeat of the revolutionary forces, revengeful British campaign against the leaders and masses who took part in the uprising.
The ‘National Awakening’ section depicts the formation of the Indian National Congress, partition of Bengal and opposition to it, Gandhiji’s emergence, draconian Rowlatt Act, and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
A section called ‘Gandhiji Leads’ will showcase the launch of the non-cooperation movement and ruthless British repression, the civil disobedience movement, and the Dandi march.
The ‘Quit India’ and ‘Azadi’ sections show the climax of India’s freedom struggle and its culmination into free India.
“Last three coaches focus on the new dawn in our national history and march forward to prosperity and the strengthening of a vibrant democracy,” the official added.
The exhibition also includes various social movements like the indigo farmers issue, the rise of the nationalist press, patriotic literature, Bhoodan movement of Acharya Vinoba Bhave, and participation of women in the freedom struggle.
“Books, cards and mementos on 1857 and freedom struggle themes will be available at special sale counters. The exhibition is expected to be an inspirational tool for the younger generation by providing a peep into our freedom struggle and march forward to prosperity,” he said.