On Sunday, Rajender Vishwananth Arlekar, Governor Himachal Pradesh on the occasion of 79th Quit India Day— coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence and Ajadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav— inaugurated six day-long exhibition and released the book ‘Gandhi in Shimla’ on Mahatma Gandhi’s association with Imperial Shimla from 1921-1946.
Himachal State Museum, Shimla organized an Exhibition to showcase the great connection of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi with Shimla town and its people during the freedom struggle. The book is written by a well-known writer and columnist Vinod Bhardwaj, a retired Senior Editor from the Information and Public Relations Department, Himachal Pradesh.
After inaugurating the exhibition and releasing the book, Arlekar paid his tributes to the great sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives to give us the gift of freedom. He said that it was the moral duty of all Indians to preserve and protect the social ethos and integrity of the country. He urged the people, especially the youth to follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
“People of Himachal had contributed a lot during the freedom struggle. Dhami Goli Kand, Pajhota Andolan, and Suket Satyagraha are the glorious chapters of Indian history. Captain Ram Singh resident of village Khanyara near Dharamshala who composed the inspiring national anthem tune made us all proud”, said the Governor.
Governor appreciated the efforts of the Himachal State Museum and the Department of Language and Culture for putting up a wonderful exhibition depicting Gandhiji’s footprints in Shimla. He said this exhibition and book would help the people and researchers to know about the Gandhi ji association and connect with this historic town.
“We need to learn from the life of Gandhi ji. His simplicity and high thinking are equally relevant in the present times”, said Arlekar.
The book comprises twenty four chapters and rare photographs and documents of that era. The book was not only confined to the visits of Gandhi ji but also highlighted the earlier history of the hills, Gurkha War, arrival of Britishers in hills,formation of hill stations, political circumstances leading to the visit of Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent leaders to Shimla. The other important events included in the book are: First political Stir in Shimla, Gandhi Car on Mall Road, use of Rickshaw, and the plight of poor people of that period. The detailed chronological accounts regarding Gandhiji’s interviews, engagements with Viceroys, Government Officials and local leaders and accounts of prayer meetings make it interesting.
A chapter is dedicated to Gandhiji’s great association with Samuel Evans Stokes later known as Satyanand Stokes in the freedom struggle and helping Stokes in eradicating the menace of the Begar system( forced labour) from hills using the power of Satyagraha and non-violence. Gandhiji’s comments on Dhami Goli Kand, Raja of Rampur Bushahr, Chamba are also worth reading.