15 August,2010 11:28 AM IST | | Team Midday
63 years after Independence, would some of the most towering names of India's freedom struggle be happy with what they read here? We are not quite sure, and neither are these 7 young men and women, all descendants of freedom fighters. Regular Joes, they are equally charged about breathing free. And hurling a bomb at a police post doesn't figure on their agenda
Rohit Tilak
Does what? Pune-based Congress party worker and National Co-ordinator of Madhya Pradesh for the Aam Aadmi Ka Sipahi programme
Is: Bal Gangadhar Tilak's great great grandson
His spartan nationalist lineage doesn't come in the way of driving a spiffy car. Or checking time in a sportswatch. Rohit Tilak is committed to carry on his great great grandfather's legacy without falling prey to stereotype. And so, the casual denims, white collared-tee and tan belt can stay. It's work that must do the talking.
Rohit is just back from an extensive tour of Madhya Pradesh, which he says has been a learning experience, acquainting him with what ails rural India. "We've worked towards helping the poor acquire job cards as part of the newly-launched Rural Employment Guarantee Act ensures them a livelihood," says the self- confessed Rahul Gandhi fan and follower.
When he has some time back home, he spends it with wife Pranati and son Ronak, who he says gives him an instant energy boost.
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
1856 -- 1920
Indian nationalist leader, social reformer and teacher from Ratnagiri, Lokmanya Tilak was one of the earliest leaders of the Independence movement. He was called the Father of the Indian Unrest by the British. Tilak was an advocate of swaraj (self-rule), andu00a0 one of the first generations of Indians to receive a college education. He taught Math at Pune's Fergusson College.
By Kaumudi Gurjar
Abhitej Singh Sandhu
Does what? Studies law in Dehradun
Is: Bhagat Singh's younger brother Sardar Kulbir Singh's son Abhay Singh Sandhu, is Abhitej's father
After 63 years of Independence, farmers are struggling with loans they can't repay. In his jail diary, Bhagat Singhji wrote, 'Man should not be so rich that he can buy another man. And man should not be so poor that he is forced to sell himself.'
I am hoping that once I complete my education, I find the opportunity to involve myself in social work. Active politics is not my cup of tea."
Bhagat Singh
1907 -- 1931
Born to a Sikh family, as a teenager, Bhagat Singh studied European revolutionary movements. Singh gained major support when he underwent a 64-day fast in jail, demanding equal rights for Indian and British political prisoners. He was hanged for shooting a Deputy Superintendent of Police in response to the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai.
By Bipin Singh
Amrita Gandhi
Does what? Hosts a travel show on television, is based in Delhi
Is: Mahatma Gandhi's great granddaughterHer face is a familiar one on television, spotted most often in the corridors of grand palaces, as she lunches and sips on tea with erstwhile rajas and maharanis. The television show writer, host and stage actor is the face of a travel series that explores the life of Indian royalty on NDTV Good Times.
The stories surrounding the Mahatma were shared by her father's older sister Tara Bhattacharjee, who remembers Bapu from her childhood and teenage years. "The one thing that comes through in all of my aunt's stories is that Bapu was a family man, with plenty of time for his grandchildren," she says. "He was there for them, closely involved in their day-to-day activities despite a very busy schedule, which is something I think most people are not aware of."
It's tough not to perceive Bapu as a larger-than-life figure, although he was family, she admits. "I enjoy seeing his pictures, running into them at unusual places; anywhere, from a fancy hotel lobby to the pages of a simple calendar, on notebooks, even on pens. He is everywhere," she smiles. Once, while walking down the empty streets of San Francisco, a piece of paper floated towards her. It was a slick, modern, black and white poster of Bapu. "Seeing it suddenly made me feel like I was home."
As a young Indian, Amrita says, freedom for her means "a lot of possibilities". "The fact that we are free to make choices, is important. In that respect, we are blessed." Contemplating the relevance of freedom that her ancestor laid down his life for, she asks, "How can freedom ever be irrelevant? People are welcome to debate on how successful we have been, but who would want it taken away from them?"
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
1869 -- 1948
One of the most influential figures of the freedom movement in India, Gandhi's greatest contribution is the idea of satyagraha (resistance to colonialism through mass civil disobedience), a philosophy that was founded on ahimsa or non-violence, and inspired millions. Ironically, he died in a violent attack carried out by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse.
By Amrita Bose
Anindita Kazi
Does what? School teacher and TV presenter in Kolkata
Is: Kazi Nazrul Islam's granddaughter
True independence is elusive. It's when women enjoy freedom and the economic rights of people at large are addressed, that we might be able to call ourselves free.
My grandfather's contribution hasn't received its due, especially in the current religiously sensitive scenario. His ideologies as a secular Muslim deserve to be highlighted. Bangladesh, in fact, has made serious efforts to recognise and raise awareness about his contribution."
Kazi Nazrul Islam
1899 -- 1976
Nationalists continue to draw inspiration from Nazrul's songs and poetry, Leftists would like to portray him as one of their comrades, and secularists prefer quoting him to support their position. Some Muslims prefer portraying him as a poet of Islamic Renaissance. After serving in the British Indian army, he established himself as a journalist in Kolkata, and preached revolution through works like Bidrohi (The Rebel). The Indian Bengali poet, musician and revolutionary's impassioned activism in the Independence movement often led to his imprisonment.
By Agni Pandey
Ashish Ravindranath Kulkarni
Does what? Pune-based entrepreneur, working on PhD thesis on Business Cycle of India
Is: Freedom fighter Sudhakar Vasudeo Maydeo's grandson
Ashish Ravindranath Kulkarni is quasi cynical. His faith in democracy is far from dead. But those running the democracy "are a bit misled," laments the grandson of freedom fighter Sudhakar Vasudeo Maydeo (lovingly called Appa) who passed away nine years ago.
"After his release, he worked tirelessly for India's freedom, and there couldn't have been a happier man on the 15th of August, 1947." The staunch Gandhian was devastated when the Mahatma was assassinated barely six months after India gained freedom.
Ashish says Appa's most cherished moments revolved around his meeting with Gandhiji in Chennai. It worried the Gandhian that modern Indians didn't care much for their hard-won freedom, and had failed to cultivate the responsibility that should have accompanied it. "It's a bit tough not to be cynical about India, given the leaders we have representing us. But that doesn't mean democracy is flawed. It's alive, and well. The elected, and the electorate need some guidance."
By Vivek Sabnis
Praveen Mishra
Does what? Is a software programmer and amateur photographer, is based in Hyderabad
Is: Freedom fighter Gopal Mishra's grandson
Many, many moons ago, a goddess called Bharat Mata was disrobed and put in chains by demons who arrived from a land far, far away. Her children, anguished by the insult, waged a war for 100 years. Finally, liberated, they dressed her in a white sari with green and saffron borders, and gave her a flag to hold.
"My house was burned down. I led a life in hiding," he says matter-of-factly, leaning against a bed set against a wall lined with frayed frames of nationalists Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose.
Post-Independence, Mishra continued to work against social injustice, caste bias and naxalism. "I have known only one way of loving this nation; face all its problems head-on and never cower," the veteran says packing a punch in the air with his walking stick.
For his 30 year-old grandson Praveen, doing his bit for modern India is a bit more complicated than fighting oppressive colonisers head-on. "The enemies lie within; we need more sophisticated methods," says Praveen. While a student at Delhi University, Mishra was keen that Praveen take active part in reformist activities, but Praveen thought it prudent to study and secure a job first.
The successful software programmer and his wife take time out on weekends to teach slum children. Praveen says he has ended up "doing just what grandfather wanted me to do, but in my own way." Because you are a common man grappling with the pressures that daily life throws at you, doesn't mean you give up on honesty, he says. "I still collect only Rs 14, 000 as HRA from the company I work for, as compared to the Rs 20,000 that I could if I wanted. My colleagues may think I'm foolish, but I have my grandfather to face."
By Rocky Thongam
Saptarshi
Does what? Is ad man with TBWA in Chennai
Is: Freedom fighter Sunil Das's grandson
They both had visions. Which they converted into reality. Ninety five year-old freedom fighter Sunil Das doesn't tire narrating tales of brave soldiers who gifted India her Independence. Sitting in his Garia home in the southern suburbs of Kolkata, Das has made peace with India's GenNext who couldn't care less about the struggle, and are hurtling towards global prominence. This, after having fought a bloody battle against the British in the ravines of Chittagong in what is now Bangladesh, along with Masterda Surya Sen.
Coming from a family of engineers, the St Xavier's student acquired a Bachelor of Engineering degree from RVCE, Bengaluru, but his flirtation with the world of binary digits lasted two years, after which he turned art director with JWT Calcutta three years ago. "This, despite not having any formal training," he laughs. And what was grandpa's reaction? "Initially, he thought it had to do with putting up posters, so I sat him down and told him what I did. In detail. Then he said, 'If that is what you really want to do, do it. Whether money streams in or not is secondary'," says Saptarshi.
Post-Independence, Das worked as an engineer with the PWD in various corners of India. Having jumped to the call to free his motherland from the British, when he was barely 15, Das continues to be involved with social work and is honorary member of the Chattagram Parishad which helps underprivileged and bright youngsters with financial assistance.
Saptarshi, on his part, has been actively involved with Bengaluru-based NGO Dream or Dreams which works with underprivileged children. He taught them craft and computers before moving to Chennai.
Freedom, he says, is too subtle a privilege for us to realise its importance. "For those of us born in a free country, it's easy to take for granted."
By Promita Mukherjee
