On 12th July, 2018, Sardar Patel Memorial Society (UK) celebrated, for the first time in the UK, Bardoli Day, at India House in London.
In the year 1925, when India was under the British Raj, the District of Bardoli, in Gujarat, suffered from floods and famine, causing crop failure and leaving the farmers facing great financial hardship. This was then followed by drought leaving the farmers totally destitute.
The Raj had raised the taxes by 22% and left the farmers in a total destitute. They barely had crops to pay off the taxes let alone feed themselves.
The Raj would not budge on reducing or cancelling the taxes.
During the struggle entered, the most prominent freedom fighter, Shree Vallabhbhai Patel, who had excellent organizational skills and expertise. Shree Vallabhbhai asked the farmers, if he was to lead the revolt, to get united and get every village in the district to unite in refusing to pay the taxes. He also warned them that they could lose their property and go to jail. Every farmer in the District of Bardoli united in opposing the Raj’s injustice and stood by Shree Vallabhbhai.
Vallabhbhai first wrote to the Governor of Bombay, who ignored the letter and announced the final date for collection of the Taxes.
Vallabhbhai instructed farmers to stay united, not pay taxes and remain peaceful. Entire Gujarat supported the movement. The farmers were treated with heavy hand and were terrorized by the Raj.
British, the Imperial Power used strong arm tactics in the beginning but the absolutely peaceful resistance changed the hearts of the Hakems in Bombay, Delhi and London. A settlement was reached. All the confiscated lands and properties were returned to rightful owners and the increase of taxes withdrawn.
The Bardoli victory turned the momentum into freedom struggle all over India. Women of Bardoli bestowed title of the Sardar to Vallabbhai.
Chairman C. B. Patel gave the invited audience of over 150 people a back ground to the Bardoli movement and captured the attention of the audience, many of whom did not know much about it’s history. An interactive discussion was led by Mr. A S Rajan, the Minister of Coordination at India House who thanked CB Patel for the history of Bardoli. Rami Ranger, Vice-chairman and founder of SunMark Group Ltd spoke about his father Nanak Singh’s marytdom.
Mr Gautam Chakraborty of Dr B R Ambedkar Memorial Trust spoke about his personal memories of Sardar Patel’s daughter Maniben.
Ms Sanam Arora, a well known student leader, Rami Ranger and hospitality entrepreneur Ramesh Arora made useful contribution in the interactive discussion.
The event ended with a vegetarian dinner, courtesy of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir. Krishna Pujari was the compare of the event and food was provided by Saya.
