A FORGOTTEN NRI HERO OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE
BY : Mr Hemantkumar Gajanan
Padhya
If
the true and precise history of Indian Freedom Struggle was written and taught
to the people of India after independence, the name of Pandit Shyamaji
Krishnavarma would not have been unfamiliar to the general public of India. It
is also an irony of history that very few NONRESIDENT INDIANS living in United
Kingdom have much knowledge of such a great political and academic personality
who made a history in Britain. The name of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma should
be on the front page of the chapters of Indian Freedom Struggle in 19th century
as he initiated the movement in London in 1905, Fifteen years before Gandhiji
entered into the politics of Indian independence. Although Gandhiji is being
praised and credited for being pioneer of Indian Freedom Movement for political
reason, Pandit Shyamaji was the real and the first Gujarati from Kutch, who
advocated the principle of non-cooperation & none-association movement in
his newspaper 13 years before Gandhiji. Gandhiji put Pandit Shyamajis
philosophy and idea into a practice by calling the same movement as Asahakar
Andolan later. Pandit Shymaji was the first person to preach non-violence
movement option for the Indian Independence before Gandhiji, but he never ruled
out the use of arms and violence if required to free his Motherland from
British tyranny and occupation. In reality, Gandhiji was a predecessor of
Pandit Shyamaji. If Gandhiji is honoured with the title of Rashtrapita for
hiswork, there is no doubt that Pandit Shyamji Krishnavarma deserves the title
of Rashtrapitamaha as no other political leader of Indian freedom Movement in
19th century had worked tirelessly and sacrificed as much as him..
Pandit
Shyamji Krishnavarma was the first and foremost NRI Freedom Fighter in the
history of Indian Freedom Movement. He was a great patriot, philanthropist and
political propagandist of Bharat -India. He will be remembered in the history
of the freedom movement of Bharat as a great revolutionary journalist, writer
and a maker of freedom fighters and the most inspiring genius of freedom
movement for Indian youths. Fired with a deep patriotic urge and nationalist
emotion, Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma launched the freedom movement in England
in 1905, nearly two decades before Gandhiji entered into freedom movement of
Bharat. He was not only a great freedom fighter and inspirer but also a great
and profound Sanskrit & English scholar. Professor (Sir) Monier Williams
held very high respect for Shyamaji. In his testimonial he said, “Assuredly no
English or European teacher could possibly be his equal in expounding the
grammar of Indian languages according to the principles of native grammarians.
I may add that I know no other Pandit who combines a considerable knowledge of
Greek and Latin with great Sanskrit attainments.” A famous Indologist and
Sanskrit scholar professor Max Muller also spoke very highly of Shyamaji.
.Pandit Shyamaji sacrificed his whole life and earnings for the freedom of his
motherland from the foreign rule of British Imperialism. He was a brave and
committed comrade who made his headquarter right in the heart of British
Empire, their capital, London, to fight against Barbaric British Rule in India.
He was one of the foremost leaders of New Nationalist Movement during the most
critical years of awakening of Indian mass. He carried out rigorous propaganda
in Europe for the cause of Freedom Movement of Bharat. Pandit Shyamaji was the
first and foremost Indian political leader to demand complete independence from
British despotism and to use the term Swaraj (SELF RULE), which was later
adopted by Dadabhai Naoroji and his colleagues in Indian National Congress.
Family
Background, Birth and Education :
Shyamji
was born in a historic year of 1857 when the first war of Indian Independence
was fought against British Imperialism, where thousands of freedom fighters
sacrificed their life to liberate their Motherland from foreign rule. Shyamaji
was borne 30th October 1857 in Mandavi of Kutch province, according to the
official register in Geneva. His Father, Karasan Bhanushali, known by nickname
“ Bhulo Bhanushali” was economically poor. He worked as a labourer for cotton
Press Company exporting cotton abroad. His mother, Sundarbai was very brave and
pious lady. Unfortunately, she died when Shyamaji was just eleven years old and
her mother took over the responsibility to raise him. Shyamji was very
intelligent from his childhood. He completed his primary and secondary
education in Mandavi and Bhuj in Kutchh Province. He came to Mumbai for further
education and joined Wilson High School. He had a great love for Sanskrit
language since his childhood. He acquired his preliminary lessons in Sanskrit
language from Shri B B Pandya in Mandavi. He acquired further knowledge of
Sanskrit language in great depth from Shashtri Vishvanath of Mumbai &
mastered the language. Shyamaji got married to Bhanumati, a daughter of a
wealthy businessman Seth Shri Chahbildas Lallubhai of Bhatia community and a
sister of his school friend Ramdas, in 1875. He came in touch with Swami
Dayanand Saraswati, an exponent of Vedas, radical reformer, and staunch
nationalist and founder of Arya Samaj. He became his disciple. Pandit Shyamaji
was leading personality and founder member of the first Arya samaj Centre in
Kakadvadi, Mumbai, opened on 10th April 1975. Swamiji was very impressed with
Shyamji’s knowledge of Sanskrit and religious literatures. He guided and inspired
Shyamji to conduct lectures on Vedic Philosophy and Religion. In 1877, Shyamji
toured all over Bharat propagating the philosophy of Vedas. This tour secured
him a great public recognition all over Bharat and many prominent scholars
admired him for his knowledge and speeches. He was the first non-Brahmin, who
was conferred the prestigious title of Pandit by the Pandits of Kashi in 1877.
Professor Monier Williams, learned Professor of Sanskrit at oxford, attended
the lecture of Pandit Shyamaji in Mumbai in 1876. He was so impressed with Shyamaji’s
deep knowledge, mastery and his oratory excellence over Sanskrit Language and
literatures. He saw a great potential in this young man and offered Shyamaji a
job as his assistant in first instance.
PANDIT SHYAMAJI,
ACHIEVEMENTS AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY
Shyamji
arrived in England in 1879 on invitation of professor Monier-Williams of Oxford
University. He joined Professor William s as his assistant. Shyamji also joined
Balliol College on 25th April 1979 for further study with the recommendation of
professor Williams. He passed his B A in 1883. He was invited to read papers on
“the origin of writing in India” by the secretary of Royal Asiatic Society.
Pandit Shyamji’s speech was very well received there and he was elected as a
non-resident member of the society. In 1881, he was sent by the secretary of
state for India to represent the learning of his country at Berlin Congress of
Orientalists. There he not only read his own paper on the subject of “ Sanskrit
as a living language of India”, but also he read the patriotic Sanskrit Poem
sent by Ram Das Sen, a learned ZAMINDAR of Behrampur, and translated it into
English for audience. This patriotic poem might have created the spark of
patriotism in Shyamji. In 1982, Shyamji was elected as honorary member of
“Empire Club”, the exclusive club of British elites and aristocrats. Here in
England, He enacted from success to success. He came across many thinkers,
philosophers and scholars and they all admired this genius young man from
India. Indologist Max Muller and vice chancellor of Oxford University, Dr B
Jowett thought very highly of Shyamji. He returned to India in the end of 1883
and came back with his wife Bhanumati to finish his study.
RETURNED TO INDIA TO
SERVE HIS MOTHERLAND
In
1885, he returned to India and enrolled himself as advocate of Mumbai High
Court on19th January 1985 and started his practice. Then he was appointed as
Diwan (chief minister) of Ratlam State by the king of the state. He resigned
his high post in May 1988 due to ill health. The king granted him a lump sum of
RS 32052 as signal mark of his high regards for his service. Then he stayed in
Mumbai for a while. He settled in Ajmer, headquarters of his Guru Swami
Dayanand Saraswati, and started his practice at British Court, Ajmer. Here he
earned the bigger income than Ratlam. He made industrial investment in three
cotton presses and secured a permanent income, which made him independent of
any services for remainder of his life. He also served for Maharaja of Udaipur
as member of his council from 1893 to 1895. He took position of Diwan of
Junagadh State in 1895 and resigned in 1897 due to bitter experience of British
agent’s interference. This incidence shook his faith in British Rule and
justice. During his stay in India, Shyamji was very much impressed with a
nationalist leader, Lokmanya Tilak. He whole-heartedly supported Tilak when he
said hands off to British Government during the consent of AGE BILL
CONTRAVERSY. Shyamji initiated very friendly relation with Tilak, which
inspired Shyamji to the Nationalist Movement in next decade. The timid and
futile cooperative policy of Congress Party did not appeal Shyamaji. He believed
that the petitioning, praying, protesting, cooperating and collaborating policy
of Congress Party was undignified, shameful for Indian Nationalism and
self-respects of proud and patriotic Indians. Shyamaji saw that undignified
method of “political mendicancy” adopted by Congress Party had crossed the
limit of patience of educated youth and made them furious. In
1897,
the atrocities inflicted during the plague crisis in Poona on Indians by
British Government, stunned and shocked Shyamji. He then felt full
justification for the nationalist stand taken by Chafekar brothers and Tilak.
On 20th June 1897, Chafekar brothers assassinated the tyrant Commissioner of
Pune during Plague outbreak, Mr Rand and his Lieutenant Ayerst. Shyamaji was
well acquainted with Damodar, one of the Chafekar Brothers, whom he employed as
his bodyguard on recommendation of Bal Gangadhar Tilak to train him in
armaments in disguise, while Shyamaji was Diwan of Udaipur. He has foreseen his
future to ending up in jail like Tilak and others if he would carry out his
future plan of this movement in India as the political climate of India became
highly suppressive and repressive after the assassination of Mr Rand and
Ayerst. Shyamaji rejected his lucrative career to immigrate to England in March
1897 just after the arrest of Damodar, with a view to carry out the fight from
abroad. He deliberately intended to launch uncompromising propaganda against
autocratic, exploitative and oppressive regime of British Rule and to create
support in England and Europe for THE INDEPENDENCE OF INDIA. Shyamji left his
Motherland with the great determination to work restlessly for the liberation
of India from foreign rule. He had only one business in mind to establish a
business of training and inspiring the young sons and daughters of India to
strive for the liberty of their Motherland. He decided to dedicate all his
money, time, scholarship, literary power and above all his life to serve his
Motherland selflessly.
RETURNED TO ENGLAND TO
FIGHT FOR THEFREEDOM OF HIS MOTHERLAND
After his arrival in London, Shyamaji lived
at obscure addresses in England for a while and later he stayed in residential
chamber of Inner Temple at 13, Kings Bench Walk, Temple Inn. He utilised his
leisure time to study Herbert Spencer’s literatures and the thoughts of other
prominent writers advocating freedom. He stayed here until 1900 and acquired
deep knowledge in the philosophy of Freedom utilising the library of Inner
Temple as being a member of this professional organisation. In 1900, he bought
a luxurious house at 9, Queens wood Avenue, Highgate (now known as 60, Muswell Hill Road, Highgate London N10
3IRfrom 3rd March 1921) in 1900. This place became a base for all political
leaders of India. Gandhiji, Lenin, Tilak, Lala Lajpatrai, Gokhle etc visited
this house to discuss the plan for Indian Independence Movement. Shyamji disagreed and refused to be
associated in any measure with Indian Congress activities, which was largely
run by Mr Hume, Mr Waddenburn and company. Shyamji cultivated personal contacts
with many person of advanced views such as rationalists, free thinkers,
national & social democrats British Socialists, Irish republicans and above
all those who were fighting for liberty in the any corner in the world. In
1898, when a free press defence committee was formed in order to resist police
attack upon liberty of all opinions Shyamji subscribed generously to its funds.
In the same year Pandit Shyamaji met Sardarsinh Rana, his future disciple,
associate and friend, who came to London to study law at inner Temple. In 1899,
Shyamji strongly criticised Gandhiji, a lawyer from Natal, for supporting
British Government in Boer war, when Boers were fighting for their very
existence of their small nation. Shyamaji started giving fiery speeches in the
free atmosphere of Hyde Park in London, calling for the supports of progressive
and sympathetic Britons in the right cause of India’s emancipation. The fire
brand speech of Shyamaji set a fire of patriotic feeling in the heart of by
passing Indian lady in audience, who would be destined to become a “ Mother
of Indian Revolution” in future under
the discipleship of Pandit Shamaji Krishnavarma. Shyamji, a follower and
disciple of Spencer’s philosophy, announced £1000 donation to establish the
lectureship at university of Oxford in memory of Herbert Spencer, an apostle of
the freedom of the individuals and principle of a British philosophers, at his
funeral service held in Golders Green, on 14/12/1903 as a great tribute and
respect to Herbert Spencer and his work.
He also planned the programme of carrying out Spenserian propaganda for the
benefit of his countrymen. On Herbert Spencer’s 1st death anniversary, 8th Dec
1904, Shyamji announced that Herbert Spencer Indian fellowships of RS 2000 each
were awarded to enable Indian graduates to finish education in England. He also
announced additional fellowship in memory of the late swami Dayan and Sarasvati
the founder of Arya Semaj along with further four fellowships in the
future.
LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST
REVOLUTIONARY FREEDOM MOVEMENT OF INDIA IN ENGLAND AND EUROPE
In
1905, Shyamji embarked on his great life work for the freedom of his
motherland. Shyamji’s new career began as a full -fledged political
propagandist and organiser for the alignment of complete independence of India.
Shyamji finally made his debut in Indian politics by publishing first issue of
his English monthly “The Indian Sociologist” – an organ of freedom and of
political, social and religious reform in January 1905from his address 9 Queens
Wood Avenue, Highgate, now known as 60Muswell Hill Road, Highgate. This strong,
powerful, realistic, ideological monthly served a great purpose in uplifting
mass against British rule and created many more intellectual revolutionaries in
the India and abroad to fight for the freedom of India .On the 18th February
1905, Shyamji inaugurated a new organisation called “The Indian Home Rule
Society”. The first meeting held at Shyamji’s residence at Highgate and the
meeting unanimously decided to found “The Indian Home Rule Society” with the
object of: (1) Securing Home Rule for India. (2) Carrying on Propaganda in
England by all practical means with a view to attain the same. (3) Spreading
among the people of India knowledge of freedom and national unity. As the
racial prejudice barred the way to many boarding houses and hostels to Indian
students, he foresaw the necessity of starting a hostel for Indian students. He
bought a freehold property at 65, Cromwell Avenue, Highgate and he made an
announcement of forthcoming opening of famous India House, a hostel of Indian
students with living accommodation for 25 students. India House formally
inaugurated on 1st July by Mr. H. M. Hyndman, a leader of social,
democratic federation, in presence of many dignitaries, such as Dadabhai
Navarojji, LalaLajpatrai, Madam Cama, Mr. Swinney (from positivist society),
Mr.Quelch (the editor of Justice) and Madam Despard (Irish Republican and
Suffragette). Declaring “India House” open, Mr H M Hyndman gave a most eloquent
and sympathetic speech. He remarked, “As things stands, loyalty to Great
Britain means treachery to India. The institution of this India house means a
great step in that direction of Indian growth and Indian emancipation, and some
of those who are here this afternoon may live to witness the fruits of its
triumphant success.” How Prophetic words were of a great statesman! The main
purpose of Shyamji Krishnavarma to open this hostel was to create great
patriotic revolutionaries by implementing his ideology for the freedom of
India. He succeeded in his vision and he produced the greatest revolutionaries
such as Madam Bhikhaiji Cama, Sardarsinh Rana, Krantivir Vinayak Savarkar,
Virendra Chattopadhyay, and Hardayalji etc. Shyamji attended the United Congress
of democrats held at HolbornTown Hall on 29th July 1905, as a chief delegate of
the India Home Rule Society. Shyamji scored a tremendous personal success when
he rose to move the resolution on India; he received an enthusiastic ovation
from the entire conference. The newspapers Reynolds and Daily Chronicle gave
remarkable coverage of his speech. Shyamji’s activities in England remained
highly volcanic and inflammatory to British Government. The power of his pen
shook the British Empire. He was later disbarred from inner temple and removed
from the book of the society on 30th April 1909 for writing anti-British
articles in Indian Sociologist. Most of the British Press were anti Shyamji and
carried out outrageous allegations against him and his newspaper. He defended
them boldly. The Times referred to him as the “Notorious Krishnavarma”. Many
newspapers criticised liberal British people who supported Shyamji and his
view. The British government became highly suspicious of him. As Shyamji
realised his movements were closely watched by British Secret Services he
finally decided to shift his headquarters to Paris leaving India House in
charge of his disciple Vir Savarkar. He gave snap to British Police and
intelligence department and left Britain secretly before the British Government
tried to arrest him.
PANDIT SHYAMAJI’S
FREEDOM MOVEMENT IN PARIS AND GENEVA AND MARTYRDOM
He
arrived in Paris in early 1907 and continued his work vigorously. The British
media still remained highly critical of him and tried to use their influence in
French media circle. The British government tried to extradite him from France
with no success as Shyamaji established a great friendship with many top French
politicians who supported him and his cause. Shyamaji soon established his
headquarter in Paris and started his propaganda mission to liberate his
motherland. He sent Madame Cama and Sardarsinh Rana to attend the Socialist
International Conference where Madam Cama created a great history by delivering
extraordinary speech and by unfurling the first flag of Indian Independence on
international platform. As Shyamaji was the sworn critic of British Rule in
India and arch enemy of British Government, his name was dragged into the most
sensational trial of Mr. Merlin, an Englishmen, at Bows Court for writing an
article in “liberators” published by Shyamji’s friend, Mr. James. Shyamji
restlessly worked in Paris to procure support for Indian Independence from
European countries with great success. He agitated for the release of Savarker
and acquired great support all over Europe and Russia. Guy Aldred wrote an
article in the Daily Herald under the heading of “Savarkar the Hindu Patriot
whose sentences expire on 24thDecember 1960”. This created a great support in
England too. As the presence of Indian nationalist in Paris would be seriously
jeopardised by the outbreak of a European war and the visit of King George to
Paris to set a final seal of Entente Cordiale in 1914, Shyamji foresaw the fate
and shifted his headquarter to Geneva. He continued his struggle for Indian
independence, morally and financially, with same enthusiasm but with some
restriction as the pledge of political in-action he had given to Swiss
Government during the entire period of Second World War He kept in touch with
his old friends but he could not support them fully, as he was restricted from
all political activities. He isolated from his friends, e.g.Ranaji, Madam Cama,
and his created revolutionaries like Savarker, Hardayal, etc. and this
isolation threw him into the company of Dr. Briess who was president of Pro
India Committee in Geneva. Shyamji was later shocked and heartbroken when he
found out that Dr. Briess was a paid secret agent of the British government, as
well as the treachery of his old friend. This event left a deep scar in his
heart but his support to the cause of Indian Independence remained at his heart throughout. Pandit
Shyamaji blended very well in the aristocratic political and social circle of
Geneva. He became a member of the Circle DE LA Press and was listed on United
Nation’s journalists’ list. He also traded at Stock Exchange and created close
contacts in business community of Geneva. He was always prepared to help for
the cause of freedom and injustice. He offered a sum of 10 000 francs to the
league of nations for the purpose of endowing a lectureship to be called
President Wilson (USA)Lectureship for the discourse on the best means of
acquiring and safeguarding national independence consistently with freedom,
justice, and the right of asylum accorded to political refugees. It is said
that the league rejected his offer due to political pressure from British
Government. When he made a similar offer to Swiss government, it was also
turned down. He declared another lectureship to the president of Press
Association of Geneva at the banquet given by Press Association of Geneva where
250 journalists and publicists which included the president of Swiss Federation
and the league of nations. Shyamji’s offer was applauded on the spot but it met
with the same fate as before. Shyamji was very much disappointed with such
decision and he published all his abortive correspondence related to these
matters in his new issue of the Sociologist on Dec. 1920, after a lapse of
almost 6 years. His last two issues of Indian Sociologist were published in
August and September 1922, could be taken as his last political will and
testament of his work. After several health problems, a great Indian patriot,
Shyamji Krishnavarma, breathed his last in hospital at 11:30pm on 30th
March1930 leaving his wife Shrimati Bhanumati Krishnavarma with no heir.
Shyamaji’s last rites were performed by a great nationalist, educationalist and
a founder of Kashi Vidyapeeth, Rashtraratna Shiv Prasad Gupta who coincidently
was happened to be in Geneva and went specially to meet Pandit Shyamaji but
unfortunately Shiva Prasad’s dream of meeting and talking to a great
personality was not fulfilled. British government in India and Britain
suppressed the death news of Pandit Shyamaji. Although the best tribute paid to
him by great revolutionaries, Sadar Bhagat Singh and his co-revolutionary
brothers in Lahore Jail, where they were undergoing a long-term drawn out trial
and Maratha, a daily newspaper started by Shri Tilak in Marathi language paid
very touching tribute to a great revolutionary. On the very day Gandhiji was
marching towards the seaside of Dandi with the bandwagon of world media under
the glittering of world publicity to inaugurate the non-cooperation movement
which was actually professed by Pandit Shyamaji many years ago. Due to
difference in political views with Shyamaji, Gandhiji did not even pay any
respect to a great Indian Freedom fighter during his mass demonstration on 6th
April 1930 or paid any tribute in his publications.
Pandit
Shyamaji’s wife Bhanumati carried out the good work of Shyamji even after his
death. She donated 10,000 Swiss Francs in memory of Shyamji to the Geneva
University to be used every year for printing and approved thesis on subject of
sociological interest. She also donated 10000 Swiss Francs to the hospital in
Geneva for the treatment of poor and needy. She presented the whole of the
Sanskrit and Oriental Library of Pandit Shyamji to the institute De
Civilisation Indienne in the Sorbonne. She donated 90,000 francs to establish a
trust in Sorbonne University for awarding scholarship to a suitable number of
selected Indian students for prosecuting higher studies in the university. Even
today the memory of Shyamji and his wife is preserved in Sorbonne University in
the form a memorial plaque in ‘’THE HALL OF HONOURS.’’
Shyamaji
had the undisputed faith of the Indian Nationalists who aspires to nothing less
than the sovereign independence (Sampurna Swaraj) of Bharat, the Aryavart of
his Guru Swami Dayanad’s dream, and he cherished it up to the very end of his
life. While the moderates of the Congress Party and renegades worshipped at the
unholy church of British Imperialism, Shyamji KrishnaVarma declared undying and
uncompromising war against the British occupation of his Motherland. He spent
the rest of his life in exile to achieve his goal for independence of India.
The seed he sowed for the independence struggle, in early 19th century, brought
a fruitful result in 1948, when finally India’s struggle for Independence was
over and it became Independent from British Rule. He did not survive to see the
glorious result of all his hard work that bore freedom to Mother India, but his
vision for freeing his country from the all-embracing strong hold of foreign
power and to establish India on the high pedestal of sovereign republic among
the free nation of the world, became fulfilled. Shyamji will always be remembered
and be seen as an intellectual role model to not only the people of India, but
to the people of the world as a great freedom fighter revolutionist with a pen
as the weapon of mass destruction which shook the mighty British Empire.
FULLFILMENT OF PANDIT SHYAMAJI’S LAST
WISH
Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma did
not live to witness the independence of Bharat, but his tremendous efforts,
firm conviction and strong confidence of India gaining its freedom from British
rule in future was strong and unshakable as he made the prepaid arrangements
with the local government of Geneva, Ville de Genève, and St Georges cemetery
to preserve his & his wife’s ashes (Asthis) at the cemetery for one hundred
years and to send their urns to India whenever India becomes independent during
that period. It is a sad and shameful irony in the history of Indian
Independence that the Congress Party who took over the charge from British and
ruled the government of independent Bharat for almost fifty years did not
bother to peruse the matter of bring the urns (Ashis) of Pandit Shyamaji &
his wife for their political gains and grudges as Pandit Shyamaji was not a
follower of Congress and Gandhidian ideology and policy. The other main reason
for the neglect might be that they did not want to bring out the great work and
sacrifice rendered by other freedom fighters like Shyamaji and Subhash Chandra
Bose, whom they deliberately brushed under the carpet, to protect their beloved
heroes Gandhiji’s and Jawaharlal’s images. They portrayed them as being the
only two freedom fighter heroes who made the freedom of India possible. More
over other political parties of free India also did not bother much on the
subject after freedom from British and never pressurised the ruling parties to
take positive action on this issue. Surprisingly it is a sad story that the
comrades, co-activists, co-revolutionist, beneficiaries of his will,, friends
and executor of Mr and Mrs Krishnavarma’s will as well as the relatives of
Bhanumatiji and some friends who received thousands of franks in inheritance
after shayamaji and Bhanumatiji’s death, had never shown any interest in
fulfilling the last desire of Pandit Shyamaji and his wife Bhanumati. The truth
always prevails. The deliberate and cunning attempt of Congress Party over
fifty years could not suppress the will of fully committed and devoted few
patriotic individuals and organisations to keep the lamp of Pandit Shyamaji’s
memory burning. There were several attempts were made over last few decades by
few individuals and Pandit Shyamaji Krishna Foundation, Mandavi, Bharat to
secure the transfer of urns with no conclusive success. The outstanding task
was finally taken over by myself, Hemant Padhya , a founder and President of
Hindu Swatantryavir Smruti Sansthanam, United Kingdom in 1997. I worked very
hard to pursue the matter with Local Government of Geneva, Ville de Geneve for
many years to fulfil the last wish of PanditShyamaji to bring the Urns (Asthis)
to Liberated Bharat from Geneva. Finally my continuous efforts succeeded and
the matter finalised after several visits to Geneva. I visited India and
approached Shri Mangal Bhanushali, Corporator of Mumbai and Trustee of
Krishnavarma foundation, Mandavi, Shri Kirit Somaiya, then Member of
parliament, Mulund, Mumbai,. We held a meeting at Shri Kirit Somaiya’s office
in Mulund and the plan was discussed with Shri Vinod Khanna, M P of BJP, famous
actor of Bollywood and then Minister of External Affairs of Indian Government.
Finally Shri Vinod Khannaji finalised the diplomatic procedures as required by
the Swiss law and Government , thus the joint efforts of patriots made it
possible to receive a long due and momentous occasion in the history of Indian
Freedom Movement. On later stage, Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat
State, got involved in the process as a head of the state and at last, the urns
of Pandit Shyamaji and his wife Bhanumatiji were officially handed over to The
Chief Minister Of Gujarat state, Mr Narendra Modiji on 22nd August 2003, by Ville
de Genève and Swiss Government in presence of Mr Hemant Padhya, Mr Kirit
Somaiya and Mr Mangal Bhanushali. After seventy three years of Pandit
Shyamaji’s death and fifty five years after Indian independence, the last wish
of Pandit Shyamaji, A Great Indian Freedom Fighter Revolutionary, is fulfilled
when Shri Narendra Modi landed with the Urns at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Air
Port, Sahar, Mumbai on 23rd August 2003, exactly eight days and fifty five
years after Indian Independence. Although Mr Hemant Padhya had initially
discussed with the authority Ville de Genève to bring Asthis to United kingdom
first at Pandit Shyamaji’s previous residence home in London to enable Indian
community to pay their respects and homage to Mr and Mrs Krishnavarma before
taking them to Bharat, but, for some political and bureaucratic reason, that
plan was dropped secretly by the Governments of India. This was an unfortunate
unfair and unnecessary decision taken by Indian Authority and all arrangements
were made accordingly without prior notification to all parties involved.
According to the saying’’ A man proposes and God disposes’’. It might be
destined and be desired by the departed soul that their ashes should touch the
land of their Karma and Buddha Bhumi before going to their last and final
destination. So the ashes did come to Britain as transit cargo at Heathrow
Airport at late night on 22nd August 2003 from Geneva and rested on the British
soil for several hours due to some last minutes changes in flight arrangements
by officials. A magnificent reception was held at Mumbai Airport and thousands
of people from all over India came out to see and pay last homage to their
National Hero at Chatrapati Shivaji Airport. After several grand receptions
given by fellow Mumbaikars in Mumbai area next day as Bhanumati and Pandit
Shyamaji were also the residents of Mumbai in Maharaashtra. The Asthis of Great
Indian patriot Shyamaji and his wife were taken around in the form of
“VIRANJALI YATRA” by road from Mumbai to Mandavi, Pandit Shyamaji’s birth place
in Kuchchha, Gujarat State. The Asthis were passed through the Thana district
of Maharashtra state and first entered into Gujarat in Umergaon taluka, the
native of Mr Hemant Padhya whose last efforts made the day possible with help
of others. From Umergaon, the Asthis were taken all around Gujarat State to
provide an opportunity to the people to pay their last respects to the greatest
Freedom Fighter Revolutionary, Pandit Shyamaji and his wife Bhanumati. Finally
the Urns containing Asthis reached to it last and final destination Mandavi on
4th September2003, Where millions of people gathered to pay their respect to
their Great Son of The Soil, Kachchhi Baydo. These Asthis are securely
preserved in “Smruti Mandir” at the house where Pandit Shyamaji was born. Many
people visited SmrutiMandir and paid respects to Pandit Shyamaji and
Bhanumatiji. Among many other dignitaries visited, the Bollywood Mega Star Shri
Amitabh Bachchan had paid his respects on 30th May 2010 and he had signed the
register too.
REVIVING THE MEMORY OF
PANDIT SHYAMAJI
After
fulfilling the task of sending the Urns of Ashes to Bharat, Mr Hemant Padhya of
H.S.S.S. has fulfilled his aim to erect a memorial plaque at the house where
Pandit Shyamaji Lived from 1900 to 1907. The memorial plaque of Pandit Shyamaji
was unveiled on 15th August 2005 by Mr Ramiji Ranger, Five times Queens’ Best
business Awardee British business Tycoon and a son of a great patriot martyr
Nanaksinghji. After the tremendous efforts in persuading the local authority in
2006, Hindu Swatantryavir Smruti Sansthanam, has established Silver Medals in
the memory of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma at OCHS at Oxford University where
Pandit Shyamaji worked and studied and also at College de France, Paris where
Pandit shyamaji’s collection of rare books are preserved and Krishnavarma
Foundation was established by Bhanumatiji. Sincere and dedicated efforts of Mr
Hemant Padhya made it possible to persuade the Indian Institute library of
University of Oxford to honour Pandit Shyamaji by unveiling his portrait in the
Hall of honour at the library where Sir Monier Monier Williams’s portrait is
placed. Thus Mr Padhya’s efforts made it possible to provide the deserved
prestigious honour to Pandit Shyamaji at Indian Institute Library at The
University of Oxford as Pandit ShyamajI rendered a great service in formation
of Indian Institute as an assistant to Sir Monier-Williams. Mr Hemant G Padhya
has also established Silver Medals in memory of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma at
College de France, Sorbonne University, Paris and at Oxford Centre for Hindu
Studies, The University of Oxford in United Kingdom. He has also published the
first silver coin in memory of Panditji in 15th August 2004 and a set of coins in memory of Pandit Shyamaji,
Madam Cama, Vir Savarkarand MaharanI Laxmibai in 2005. He has written and published
books titled ‘’Photographic Reminiscence of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma’’ and
‘’ Introduction to Indian Freedom Fighter – Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma’’. Mr Hemant Padhya have written the lyrics dedicated to Pandit Shyamaji and pulbished them in the form of e-books titled ''Shraddhanjali''. Some selected lyrics were later published and distributed in form of MP3 CD Album along with the biography and life works of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma in 2014. This Album was launched by a great Kathakar Shri Rameshbhai Oza at Ghatkopar, Mumbai ON 13TH aPRIL2014.
The
chief minister of Gujarat state, Shri Narendra Modiji had allocated 152 acres
of land to build a remarkable memorial of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma called
‘’ Kranti Teerth’’ in 2003. The most ambitious and work of art project was
promised by him to be completed by 2010. The announcement of this project was
to provide the respect and honour not only to Pandit Shyamaji but also to other
Forgotten Freedom fighter Revolutionaries whose name and fames are not much publicised
in the history of Indian Freedom Movement. The foundation stone of Kranti Teerth
project was laid on 4th of October 2009 and a magnificent Kranti Tirth was
inaugurated by the chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi on 13th
December 2010. The Urns containing the Ashes [ASTHIS] of Pandit Shyamaji and
his wife Bhanumatiji are Transferred from Shyamaji’s birth Place Smruti Mandir
to Kranti Tirth gallery and beautiful life size statues of Pandit Shyamaji and
Bhanumatiji are also erected and
unveiled. At last in the history of Indian Freedom, The Forgotten Hero of
Indian Independence and first freedom fighter Revolutionary of Maharashtra and
Gujarat was given long waited honour and respects to Pandit Shyamaji deserved.
Since the Kranti Tirth is opened to the public in 2010, thousands of people and
many dignitaries have visited and paid their tributes to the great Indian
Freedom Fighter Revolutionary who started Freedom movement in London fifteen
years before Gandhiji entered into the arena of Indian freedom movement. Every
Indian must take a pride in their national heroes who sacrificed their life for
the freedom of our motherland irrespective of their paths, methods, ideology
and location. Every Indian irrespective of their political affiliation or
ideology must pay their respects equally to those who sacrificed their life on
the altar of their motherland so no other patriot heroes would ever be ignored
for his/her sacrifice alike Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma.
VANDE MATARAM ! PANDIT SHYAMAJI KRISHNAVARMA AMAR RAHO !