Raghumani Singh
We all remember the dates and names of men who fought for Freedom. We remember Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandera Shekhar Azad, Ibraham Lincoln and George Washington. But know very little of the real forces at the back of these names, dates and places. We know still less of that intangible power which insured Freedom.
It is nothing but a short tragedy that writers of history have missed, entirely even the slightest reference to the irrestible power which gave birth and freedom to the nation distined to set up new standards of Independence for all the people of the earth.
Let us briefly review the events which gave birth to this power. The story begins with an incident in Boston on the 5th March, 1770. Some British soldiers were patrolling the street, by their presence, openly threatening the local citizens. The colonists resented the armed soldiers marching in their midst. They began to express their resentment openly hurling stones as well epithets at the marching soldiers, until the commanding officer gave orders, “Fix bayonets… charge.’’
The battle was on. It resulted in the death and injury of many. The incident aroused such resentment that, the Provincial Assembly (made up of prominent colonist) called a meeting for the purpose of a definite action. Two of the principal members of the Assembly were, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. They spoke up courageously and declared that a move must be made to eject the British soldiers from Boston.
Remember this——-a Decision in the minds of two men, might properly be called the beginning of Freedom which the people of the world now enjoy. Remember too, that, the decision of the two men called for Faith and Courage, because it was dangerous.
Before the Assembly adjourned, Samuel was appointed to call on the Governor of the Province and demanded the withdrawal of the British troops.
The request was granted. The troops were totally removed from Baston, but, the incident was not closed. It had caused a situation destined to change the entire trend of civilization. Strange is it not, how the great changes such as the American Revolution, the first World War, the second World War and the Indian Revolution had their beginning in circumstances which seemed unimportant ? It is also interesting to observe that the important changes begin in the form of a Definite Decision in the minds of a relatively small members of people. Very few of us know of our country well enough who really the fathers of our country were.
The value of Decision depends upon the courage required to render them. The great decisions which served as the foundation of civilization were reached by assuming great risks, which often meant the possibility of Death.
Ibrahim Lincoln’s decision to his famous proclamation of Emancipation which gave freedom to the coloured people of America, was rendered with full understanding that his action would turn thousands of his friends and political supporters against him. He knew too that the announcement of the proclaimation would mean death to thousands of men on the battlefield. In the end, it cost Lincon’s life. That required courage. In the same way, there are so many scintillating examples of great decisions taken by the Indian Freedom Fighters.
Socrates’ decision to drink the cup of poison, rather than compromise in his personal belief, was a decision of courage. It turned time ahead a thousand years, and gave to the people then unborn, the right to Freedom of Thought and Freedom of Speech.
But, the greatest decision of all time, as far as the American citizens are concerned, was reached in Pliladelphia on 4th, July, 1776, when fifty six men signed their names to a document, which they knew very well that it would bring Freedom to all Americans or everyone of the fifty six men would go to the gallows. You have heard of the famous document, but, you may not have drawn from it the great lesson in personal achievement it so plainly taught.
In 1971-72, Lalbahadur Shastriji took the bold decision to attack Pakistan overnight prior to their planned surprised attack using their invincible Patton tank (they thought to be so). The plan of Pakistan. Army was to take their break-fast in Amritsar and lunch in Delhi. But, it was because of Shastriji’s bold decision, their efforts have gone into smoke. All their Patton tanks were totally destroyed. Even today, every army man of India knows the battle field where the tanks were destroyed as “The Grave-Yard of Patton Tank’’. India inflicted a shameful defeat to Pakistan by dint of the bold and prompt decision of our Prime Minister. Otherwise, the dignity of India would be at stake.
In the conclusion, I would like to appreciate our Prime Minister for the bold decision of Note-Ban declared overnight which astounded the entire world.
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