On Monday, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus was illuminated with tri-colour lights on the eve of the commencement of the week “celebrating Azadi ki rail Gadi our stations.” On 18 July the inaugural function of the ‘Azadi ki Rail Gadi aur Stations’ celebrations was held at Mumbai Central Stations in the presence of Shri GVL Stayakumar, Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai Division, and various dignitaries. Freedom fighter Shri Anant Laxman Gurav and family members of late freedom fighter. i.e. Smt Indumati Pawar wife of Late Shri Daulat Rao Pawar and Smt. Shantabai Jadhav wife of Late Shri Khandu Jadhav graced the occasion with their presence and were felicitated.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate 75 years of Independence and the glorious history of the country’s people, culture, and achievements. As a part of these celebrations, Indian Railways is celebrating the iconic week of “Azadi ki Rail Gadi aur Stations” at 75 stations and 27 trains from 18-23 July. These specific trains and stations mark important places and events which are associated with the glorious history of India’s struggle for freedom. The western railway is also partaking in the festivities of the week with great enthusiasm. Out of the 75 stations over Indian Railways, 5 stations of western railways have been chosen as they hold national importance in the various stages of the freedom struggle of India. These stations have been decorated and will be illuminated in tri-colour, screens displaying short films on the freedom struggle have been installed at these stations to make people aware of the nation’s history. Apart from the decorations, patriotic songs, street plays, and light-sound shows have been organized. In addition to this, selfie points have also been set up at these stations, and photo exhibitions are also been set up. As a part of the ‘ Azadi ki Rail Gadi aur stations’ celebrations, 09 trains of Western Railway will be decorated and flagged off by freedom fighters and family members. Some of the selected trains include Lokshakti Express, Ashram Express, Sabarmati Express, Ahimsa Express, Gujarat Mail, Ahmedabad-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, etc.
Freedom fighters and their families were invited to these iconic stations and were then felicitated. It was heart-warming to relive & listen, as they narrated the glories of the struggle for Independence. The five stations which have been chosen are Porbandar famously known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, which was also established by Mahatma Gandhi to promote cottage industries; it was also the place where Mahatma Gandhi challenged the British government’s salt law. This incident is a milestone in the freedom struggle; Adas Road – Following Bapu’s values of non-violence, 5 freedom fighters achieved martyrdom in the Quit India Movement in this place; Bardoli – The Bardoli Satyagraha under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for the farmers of Bardoli against unjust raise in taxes during the British Raj was a major episode of Civil Disobedience in the Indian independence movement.
In addition, Bandra Terminus – Ahmedabad Lokshakti Express and Ahmedabad – Dadar Gujarat Mail was flagged off by freedom fighters and family members of freedom fighters. At Navsari station, a Nukkad Natak was staged and a patriotic dance was performed by students of Railway School, Valsad. At Bardoli station school students along with a railway staff sang a patriotic song. Smt Niranjanaben daughter of a freedom fighter was felicitated. At Porbandar station, award-winning artist Shri Jayesh Hingrajiya performed an engaging impersonation of Gandhiji and his life. Patriotic songs were sung by different teams along with a nukkad Natak performance by Bharat Scouts & Guides cadets of Bhavnagar and mantra recitation by Vidyapati students of Sandipani Gurukul. At Sabarmati station, a photo gallery, nukkad Natak, and selfie point have been organized for people to participate in this mega event. All these stations were illuminated in hues of the tricolor and digital screens displayed patriotic videos. Shri Nikunj Bhai family member of Late Freedom Fighter Shri Lakshmi Bhai Somchand Tapodhan flagged off Gujarat Mail from Ahmedabad station. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, city icon, and headquarters of the Central Railway was one among the 75 Railway Stations selected as one of the most photographed buildings in India and was specially illuminated to commemorate this historic occasion.
