Interesting train names, and SRK's family connections | #130

Also, learn about India's first ever voter ➡️

Nov 12, 2022

Happy, Happy, Vande Bharat
Welcome, welcome, Vande Bharat
Wonder, Wonder, Vande Bharat
Speedy, Speedy, Vande Bharat
Happy, Happy, Vande Bharat
Vande, Vande, Vande Bharat
Welcome, Welcome, Vande Bharat

You might wonder what this is all about. We will let you know soon.

Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Vande Bharat express train from Mysuru to Chennai, to much fanfare. India has a rich history of trains dating all the way back to 1853. This week’s newsletter takes a look at how trains in India got their names. Something for you to chew chew on.

Things we learnt this week 🤓

The train from Ahmedabad to Pune is called Ahimsa Express and with good reason. Ahmedabad is where Mahatma Gandhi had his Ashram and he spent many years in the Yerawada Jail in Pune following his arrests after the Dandi March and the Quit India movement. The train linking the 2 cities had to honour him thus. Wonder if Gandhi ever said, Ma hat ma train to anyone.

Bhimrao Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956 and did so in Nagpur at a place now called Deekshabhoomi. In fact, Nagpur commemorated this event by unveiling a stupa in 2001. The train connecting Nagpur to Gaya (where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment) is hence called the Deekshabhoomi Express.

Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, the spot where Ambedkar converted to Buddhism

Solapur is said to be the first municipal council in India to hoist the national flag on the Municipal corporation building. A freedom fighter from Pune, Annasaheb Bhopatkar, hoisted the flag in Solapur on 6th April 1930. Following that, the British declared martial law and sentenced many innocent citizens to death. As a mark of respect, the statues of these freedom fighters have been installed in the heart of the city and the location has been named as Hutatma (“Martyrs”) Chowk. Thus the train connecting the cities of Pune and Solapur is known as Hutatma Express.

From IWTK, with love 💌

India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi, passed away at the sprightly old age of 105. Learn about him here.
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Shah Rukh Khan turned 57 recently. Know more about his family and their connections from Peshawar to Mangalore.
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