Chipko, Bismillah & the other VJ Patel | #113
Also, the pioneer of India's feminist movement ➡️
Mitron,
We are only less than 30 days away from celebrating India’s 75th independence day. Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny. A tryst, a twist, a turn, a trip, a date with history. Now comes the time when we redeem that pledge, as we celebrate our 75th Independence Day in style.
This week’s newsletter is dedicated to some heroes of post-independent India.
Things we learnt this week 🤓
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel wanted to study in England and had ordered for a passport and tickets to England. They were issued in the name of ‘VJ Patel’ and reached his house. His elder brother Vithalbhai Patel had also harboured similar aspirations of studying in England. Vithalbhai pulled rank and decided to go to England instead as it would be dishonourable for the family when the elder brother follows the footsteps of the younger brother. Vallabhbhai Patel graciously allowed his brother to go to England in his place. Maybe the Iron Man of India ended up having some (t)rust issues.
When Qamaruddin Khan was born, his grandfather is said to have exclaimed ‘Bismillah’ - in the name of the lord, and that is why the world knows him as Bismillah Khan. It is said that when the flag was unfurled at the Red Fort on August 15, 1947, Bismillah Khan played the Shehnai. We cannot play any instrument well, but Bismillah Khan.
In 1974, the state of Uttar Pradesh authorized the felling of 2500 trees in the village of Reni and roped in contractors for the job. Fearing protests, the government and the contractors set up a scheme to lure the men of the village of Reni under the pretence of providing a job to a nearby village. With the men away, a group of forest officers along with some loggers went to the village to start the deforestation. A young girl saw them and informed Gaura Devi. Gaura, along with 27 other women confronted the men and prevented the cutting of trees by hugging it. This was the birth of the Chipko movement. Their message was loud and clear and was understood even in cling-on.
From IWTK, with love 💌
We are all excited about the upcoming magnum opus from Mani Ratnam Ponniyin Selvan. We get you started on it here.
To celebrate Guru Purnima, we look into the life of Savitribai Phule.
Quiz Alert 🔎
India Wants To Know and Harper Collins presents to you, the Great India Quiz on 17th July, 2022 at 4PM on Zoom.
Joining our quizmaster @saiganesh is the author Ashwitha Jayakumar and star actor Chitrangada Satrupa of ‘Guilty Minds’ fame with us. We are thrilled to associate with them, and we assure you it's gonna be a fun and informative quiz.
When: Sunday 17th July 2022; 4- 5 pm, on Zoom
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Stay hydrated!
❤️ IWTK