FREEDOM STRUGGLE - KGF MINERS TOOK PART IN THE FREEDOM STRUGGLE

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 the15^th 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.