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Friday, January 22, 2010

Batak Mian's story must be told

Batak Mian’s story must be told to every Indian. Despite the unfamiliarity of the name, the absence of his story in India’s history, Batak Mian cannot be ignored. One Indian mainstream news paper recently took the pain to digging out and publishing the story of this extra-ordinary Indian, without whom India’s independence might not have been possible.

The story goes back to 1917 British India. Mahatma Gandhi was visiting Bihar’s Champaran district where he started his career India’s politics, supporting the cause of the local indigo planters.

Batak Mian was serving as a cook with a British indigo plantation manager who apparently instructed him to offer Mahatma poisoned milk. Mian disclosed the plot in front of Mahatma and Rajendra Prasad, who became the first President of an independent India later. Result Mahtma’s life saved and the rest is history as we all know.

I understand the story sounds loose and slightly heroic. Even as an objective writer I find despite the folklore involved in glorifying Batak Mia’s role, it’s worth remembering. And at least his grand children shouldn’t earn their wages as daily labourers.
Here is a link to the original story http://www.hindustantimes.com/Family-of-Mahatma-s-saviour-in-dire-straits/H1-Article1-500334.aspx

3 comments:

Tarun Mitra said...

read that news..nothing unusual..plain ol'bureaucracy....

But I have one question, why the inheritors stick to past to seek present gain, don't they have the guts to get out and create something for themselves..its third generation by the way...

Iniyaal said...

One of the many unsung heroes in India's history. It is heartening to see media bring out their stories and encourage the renewal of human compassion and values.

But, waiting for the alloted 24 acres seems to be a long process. Blame game will not benefit anyone. It would do more good to look out for better oppotunities like education.

Megha said...

Yea, there must be many who were left out or just lost in the fight...

All thos might feel sad if they have a look down to what has happened to the India they gave freedom to..