From Appanna Ajja’s Desk – Part 3 – Quit India Movement

In my weekly trips to Madikeri as a young boy, I used to observe a lot of interesting activities. The Quit India movement had been picking up momentum and it was but natural that as young students we took part with full vigour in these activities. Perhaps at times more enthusiastically than was necessary!

One such incident involved Sharat Chandra Bose, brother of famed nationalist Subhash Chandra Bose, who was arrested and confined to imprisonment in a building in Madikeri. That building was on the top of a small hillock, opposite to the present KSRTC depot. It appears that this historical building has been demolished and the hillock also seems to have been levelled and removed.

Curiosity got the better of me and I too tried to see the nationalist through the window. However every attempt to do so resulted in the policemen chasing us away brandishing batons. It made me think deeply as to how come our own people participated in giving the British Colonial Rulers power by doing their work without questioning the rationale. After all they were so small in numbers compared to us and yet managed to control us, using our own people! Sometimes I wonder whether we have learnt our lessons from past History by not questioning and blindly accepting the decisions and actions taken by present day politicians (of all parties) – after all didn’t we elect them to their posts?

I am reminded of an Orwellian quote:

Words have the power to shape Thought; Language is the currency of Politics forming the basis of Society from the everyday interactions to the highest Ideals. We must protect our language because ultimately our ability to think and communicate clearly is what stands between us in a world where War is Peace and Freedom is Slavery.

Here is another interesting incident. Every Friday there would be a Congress agitation of nationalists shouting “BRITISH QUIT INDIA”. I too had marched and wholeheartedly shouted and sang their songs. Of course, I didn’t understand the term “nationalist”… the incentive for  following them being the beaten rice and peppermint candy given to all who joined.

Pandyanda Belliappa, Dr. Nanjundeshwar, Kollimada Karumbaiah and others were leading the procession. I still remember many parts of the marching song which was being sung in Hindi.

Bade Chalo Bahaduro,
Kadam Kadam Dilavaro,
Ye Zindagi hai Kaum ki,
Kaum ki Nazar Karo,
Swadesh Zindabad ki , Hai Nikal rahi goliyan.

I am not sure whether the above wordings are correct.

Also another Kannada song –

Yaakappa Namaginnu,
Bili Sarakaara,
Haakappa Haakiri,
Mana Thiraskara,
Sullina Kollina Hamelina Reethi,
Kala Videshigaalaguva Reethi.

I knew a few more marching songs, but  have forgotten with the passing of time.

And then one Friday, must be in the month of October, the procession reached present day Kodava Samaja site opposite the Fort. A white man, believed to be a big planter from Suntikoppa, came down from the Madikeri Fort, driving his car. While reaching the main road a few young mischievous men rushed forward, stopped the car, pulled him and attacked him rather vigorously (content deliberately edited as it was quite violent for a young boy to absorb). Policemen started beating the crowd and arrested many. We boys ran away towards Omkareshwara temple.

I don’t know and don’t want to know what happened further.

© Bacharanianda P Appanna