A rally was organised by the Krishna district unit of RSS in Andhra Pradesh to commemorate 150 years of 1857. The rally started from Machilipatnam and concluded at Jagaiahpeta after covering a distance of 150-km. The rally received grand welcome across the route. The rally, which commenced on November 18, included 200 cycles, 50 motor-bikes and cars. Youth from 25 places participated in the rally, which was looking colourful with the presence of beautiful chariots, poster of Rani Jhansi, jingled with sounds of trumpet, enlightened with patriotic songs and slogans. It crossed through the main streets up to Municipal Park, Machilipatnam where a public meeting was organised. Shri Hanumanthrao, director of Amaleshwari Educational Society, presided over the meeting. Shri B. Sujay Kumar, ABVP Vibhag Pramukh and Shri Venkat Prasad were also present at the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Sri Chennakesav, Prant Sahsewa Pramukh of RSS said, ?1857 was a revolutionary movement started for the protection of swadharma, swarajya and swasanskriti.? He then explained the reasons for uplift of the movement and how the great leaders like Tatya Tope, Nana Saheb, Rani Jhansi, Kunwar Singh, etc. carried forward the movement. He called upon the gathering to protect their culture.
On November 19, the birth anniversary of Rani Jhansi, the rally began at 5.30 am. The participants were dressed in Aum painted caps, 1857 rally T-shirts and Hanuman printed flags tied to their bicycles and motobikes. The rally passed through various towns and finally reached Jagaiahpeta. In between the participants were accorded grand welcome by school children and college students.
Addressing the concluding meeting, Shri N. Subbarao said the 1857 was a national movement and not just a soldiers? revolt. Besides the contribution of the national leaders in this movement he also explained the role of state leaders in it. (FOC)
