During his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested people to visit railway stations of historical importance, especially those related to the Indian freedom movement.
Through an initiative named ‘aAzadi Ki Railgadi Aur Railway Station’, the objective is to make people know the role of Indian Railways in the freedom struggle. “There are many such railway stations in the country, which are associated with the history of the freedom movement. You too will be surprised to know about these railway stations,” said PM Modi in the 91st edition of Mann Ki Baat.
Those 75 stations are being specially decked up and several events are also being organised at such locations as part of the celebration of the 75th year of India’s Independence.
He further requested teachers of nearby schools to visit such stations and narrate the incidents and explain the relevance to the students.
“You must also find time to visit such historic stations near your place, you will come to know in detail about such aspects of the freedom movement which you were not aware of.”
Talking about Gomoh Junction in Jharkhand, he said the station is now officially known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Junction Gomoh as Netaji Subhash at this very station was successful in dodging British officers by boarding the Kalka Mail. “All of you must have heard the name of Kakori Railway Station near Lucknow. The names of Bravehearts like Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaq Ullah Khan are associated with this station. The brave revolutionaries had displayed their might to the British by looting the treasury of the British being carried by train,” said PM Modi.
Further, about Vanchi Maniyachchi Junction in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, he reminded people that the station was named after Tamil freedom fighter Vanchinathan who at 25 years of age had punished one British collector for his actions. “Friends, this list is pretty long. 75 such railway stations have been identified spread over 24 states across the country.
These 75 stations are being decorated very ornately. Many types of programs are also being organised in these. You should also take out time to visit one such historical station in your vicinity,” said PM Modi.