I was on my way to a business meeting, when I
chanced upon something that looked a lot like it as related historically to
someone I hold very dear to me heart – Lokmanya Tilak; so, on a lark and with
an attitude of “wont hurt to see what this is”, I walked in. It was rather
late, around 7-ish, so the place was closed – but there was enough present in
terms of indication and signboards to tell me that I had indeed hit on a hidden
gem, a vintage place of historical significance in my hunt for the origins of
the Indian Independence Struggle, documented regularly on my blog for the past
several years.
The next day, I walked in on the next leg of my pilgrimage
– a visit to Kesari. As I have noted before, there was a complete absence of
people there, which was immensely saddening and tragic to my eyes & heart,
which was sold to the Independence Struggle and the people who achieved the
impossible. To be fair, the people present there did state that there were
visitors to came – but on my visit, the silence was total, and the presence of
visitors a grand total of zero. This is near-par for the course, and what I
have seen in my previous experiences, with limited or zero attendance at some
other places.
To be doubly fair – these are out-of-the-way places,
and are out of the public consciousness. Though I am an ardent admirer of The
Mahatma, I frankly admit that there is a dire need to highlight the other
leaders who gave their all in the quest for independence. This isn’t just about
The Mahatma; we place emphasis on Panditji, The Sardar, Bhagat Singh, Netaji –
these are all key players. Each played a major role, and each deserves our
undying gratitude for their sacrifices. But there were many, many others, some
vital – like The Lokmanya, and some unknown, like Vasudeo Balwant Phadke. Why
we cant have organized tours of these places, well marketed & backed up –
and highlighted properly in public? Why should we not have proper systematic
importance in visibility given to these vital places as well?
The Lokmanya was by no means a small figure; he
stands as one of the most important figures of our Independence Movement; that
is why, the zero attendance in the Kesari Museum was stunning. I will of course
visit again – it is too mesmerizing a place to visit but once. I noted the same
lackadaisical presence in The Aga Khan Palace – another landmark in our struggle,
and another places that merits multiple visits. This was the same scenario in
Wardha, also documented on my blog. Each of these are exceedingly well
preserved, maintained – yet were near empty to empty on my visits.
Why should we not visit these places? I know,
gathering from heated, not-so-heated, calm as well as reasoned discussions on
social media, our organized media articles as well as my personal interactions
with people that the entities in whose honour these memorials are made and
preserved have a following and a sense of gratitude among us. It isn’t as though we have forgotten. Why
should we not have it in our hearts to, at the very least, spend some time at
their memorials, if for no other reason – then just to bow our heads, have a
tear in our eyes, and say thank you? Is that too much to expect?
Speaking of myself, I was immensely saddened and
disheartened by the emptiness of the place; the caretaking managers assurance
that people do visit was small solace. Having seen the emptiness in other vital
places before, I was not assured. To my readers – rest assured, if I do find
people visiting – I will also document that faithfully. As for now, basis my
previous experiences, I am slightly disheartened. Even at the Army Memorial the
attendance wasn’t upto the mark, though visitors were present. Again – next time
if I find the situation better – I will certainly document it.
I know for sure only one thing – as I wandered
around in that museum, I felt I was in a temple, almost: this was the place
where The Lokmanya sat, discussed in nightlong discussions with eminent leaders
of that time; launched his newspapers, planned for Indian Independence, and
more. You can find more details about it here. As for me – I felt blessed; I
felt “dhanya” – like I was lucky, and chosen to be here in that moment, in that
holy place. My heart was heavy, yet proud… it was a moment I shall carry to the
funeral pyre with me; it was one of the most special moments of my life…
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