As we approach the 69th Anniversary of India's independence let me share a small excerpt from my book KOLAR GOLD FIELDS DOWN MEMORY LANE
'The Miners in KGF also took active part in the Quit
India Movement that was sweeping the whole country after the visit of Mahatma
Gandhi in 1942. They resorted to Tool-Down Strikes on many occasions. These
strikes brought the mining industry to a grinding halt underground and the John
Taylor and Sons Company suffered heavily.
The Mine workers and the other people of KGF now
joined together and were united in the cause of liberating the country from British
rule. Students, teachers, housewives, doctors etc also joined the movement. As
the movement for freedom gathered momentum, they began to sabotage communication
links and even removed the fishplates on the railway lines near Coramandel, thereby
cutting off railway links between KGF and Bowringpet (Bangarapet).
The Miners held huge demonstrations and took out
processions demanding freedom from the British. The agitation became so intense
that the British Police stationed in Kolar Gold Fields arrested many prominent
Trade Union Leaders and Political workers for inciting the people to revolt
against the British.
KGF therefore played an important part in the Indian Independence
movement! India gained her Independence from the British on the15th
of August 1947.' It was a day of great celebration in the whole of KGF. Our National Flag was hoisted at the Gymkhana Grounds where hundreds of workers gathered and cheered. Our national Flag flew proudly on every shaft and office. It was a victory indeed.
No comments:
Post a Comment