Freedom Movement in Koraput-2

GAYATRI Said:
A cash award of one thousand was declared by the government onRabi Singh, Harischandra Gauntia, Siva Majhi,Balaram Sethia, Buti, Ghasiram Panka and Sanu Majhi. So the gandas, nayaks and chalans, who worked for the police came intoaction and set a programme how to capture those freedom fighters. Mention may be made on Matili Firing of 21st August 1942 in whichLinga Bhumia and Nakula Madakamisacrificed their lives and a number of deaths occurred at Papadahandi also on 24th August1942 due to police firing. These two inglorious activities of the police had cast a deep influence on Rabi Singh. He was reallyshocked to listen the news and decided to emerge from his hidden place in order to console the Papadahandi people. As it wasdifficult to escape the notice of police, he preferred to go there in the guise of a woman.So, finally he and Pasur Nayak dressed as wife and husband started from Saraguda to visitPapadahandi. Crossing Baunsabedha,Dumarda, Karagaon, and spending the night in Siva Majhi's house at Jamguda, they proceededtowards Papadahandi. He returned back to Pilbasini village listening the news that insearch of him police was encamped in Sunadhar Nayak's residence at Karaki. He was refused asylum by Bata Pujari of Pilbasinivillage, who was also a Congress worker. Then he proceeded to Panjiaguda where he organized a meeting in the house of chalanPanja Mudi. He was advised by Panjia Mudi not to proceed to Papadahandi. So he returnedback from Panjiaguda and reached Saraguda escaping tactfully the vigilant eyes of the police.Here he got the information how police, with the help of Sukchand Panka and Jaga Pujari had tortured his family members and forcibly took away all sorts of agricultural andpastoral wealth from his house. After two or three days, i.e., on 12th September 1942 hereturned back to his own village, where his father suggested him to migrate to some otherplace leaving the ancestral abode. Rabi Singh consoled his father and other members of thevillage not to take such steps.Rabi Singh decided to inform the Circle Inspector Benudhar Gadanayak, a man of rareliberal and considerate character about the heinous activities of Sub-Inspector TrilochanMisra. Benudhar Gadanayak advised him to submit a report under the signature of his grandfather, which should be attested bywitnesses. The extreme poverty of his family compelled him to work as a labourer in Bombay-Nagpur railway line. Simultaneously,he worked for the Congress. Once again, he was caught by Sukchand Panka while driving his cart and was brought to Bhamini villagewhere he was tortured severely. Next day he was brought to Umarkot for trial. A trial was made for him and Baga Pujari in which both of them admitted their involvement in Congress activities and organization of meetings in theirhouses. So he was imprisoned. But after twomonths he was released.It was on 15th August 1947, Rabi Singh hoisted the national flag of free India at Umarkot with an eloquent speech addressing ahuge gathering that, "Brothers ! We got the freedom amidst extreme sufferings and sacrifices. Man like Baga Pujari and LaxmanNaik are no more with us to enjoy this golden moment. Hatapahari, bethi and gadam are now abolished. We are for the nation and thenation is for us. Brothers ! We should take an oath that we must speak the truth, we shouldnot be jealous of others; we should be brave and bold and live without fear; we mustendeavour to maintain the prestige of ournation. We, all are the children of this nation. Bharat Mata ki Jay." History of India's freedom struggle owes a lot to Rabi Singh. He is the inspiring zealand a rare example of how the strong determination and self-confidence imbued withunselfish attitude could overcome all sorts of adversities that come on his progressive as obstacles.
from
gayatri,saints' school,putariput,kotaput.
August 9, 2007 1:28 AM