Has the saga of Indian history become forbidden owing to law? Is it a sin to talk of all these in academic seminars and even in any tête-à-tête? The question is asked at the beginning for a few factors perceived recently. These days, names of India’s freedom fighters are being flimsily mentioned. Perhaps the word marginally is more applicable in this case. Now your next question would be – whether this scribe is insane. Well, I would love to be sane but to do it the reader has to answer my one simple question. Is he/she acquainted with the name of Vasudev Balwant Phadke? I’m confident that he/she is not and almost none, cutting across ages.
Who is Vasudev Balwant Phadke on the whole? As per a few schools of thoughts, he is the Father of Revolution in Indian Soil; others opine that he is the perfect specimen affirming a single individual can do lots, even against the mighty British Empire, only if he is steadfast and also bold enough.
Phadke was born on 4 November 1845, and was deeply touched by the then mounting plights of Indians. He hailed from the Marathi Chitpavan Brahmin family in Shirdhon village of Panvel taluka based in Raigad district in Maharashtra state and as usual, he was inclined to physical training.
With the passing of years he started realizing factors leading to rising financial despondencies among people, especially farmers. However, he also comprehended at the same instant mere speeches would not be enough to have justice or rights from British Empire. The development in Baroda gave him a shot in the arm. In 1875, British administration toppled Gaikwad ruler of Baroda and to call these processes a halt, Phadke initiated protest speeches against the government. But it had hardly any effect on the administration. He didn’t get support from intellectuals, middle class in his drive to create a free republic, essential for betterment of Hindus.
He became instrumental in gathering a band of people from Ramoshi along with Koli, Bhil and Dhangar communities and gradually formed a radical group, known as Ramoshi. The group commenced an armed struggle to bring the British Raj down and launched regular raids on affluent English businessmen to get funds for their liberation struggle. But he came to the notice of all when Phadke caught British soldiers off guard in one of his sudden attacks. His successes were short lived in spite of great and valiant endeavors. What led to his defeat then? Phadke was betrayed at several times by his tried comrades and was put behind the bars soon.
To protest against all these, Phadke went on a hunger strike to death. On 17 February 1883 he breathed his last because of his hunger strike in protest against rising British atrocities.
Undoubtedly, contribution of Vasudev Balwant Phadke in Indian history has been immense. But sadly, his role has not found recognition.
We must shed this felony at once.
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