I extol Smita Sarkar and Anand Pillai for their exhaustive and excellent article on the above in the AV of the 21st Jan. In 1916 Annie Basent started it in London for India Home Rule against British Colonialism but it was for Dominion Status. Yet in late 20's V K Krishna Menon made it for full Independence which was later joined by many Patriots like Prof. MIshra, Dr. Anuradha Ray, Savarkar, Sri Shyamji Varma, Dada Navrojaji, Lokmanya Tilak who all mobilised the compaign in many cities in Britain among Indians, Labour Paety and others.
In India too since 1915 when Gandhiji cane from South Africa Freedom fight against British Raj was on. Indian National Congress of Nehru, Sardar Patel, Sarojini Naidu, Jinnah led by Gandhi was fighting Truth and Non-Violence Struggle of Non-Cooperation! All India boycotted British goods, used Swadeshi Khadi and all things, mobilized all Indians and world News Media from America, Britain, India, Auseralia etc.
Nehru and Krishna M also keeping in touch and became great friends.
In the end Mission of Independence was accomplished on 15th August, 1947 and on following 26th Jan. India became Republic but Alas! Pakistan was created to our big Surprise and Sorrow! Hindu extremist Godse shot Gandhiji at evening Prayer time in New Delhi. Gandhi said ' Hey Ram !' and died 69 years ago on 30th Jan.,1948 leaving whole Bharat weeping!
In 60's during Harold Wilson time as PM, under the auspices of India High Commission, India League and Camden Council, Gandhi's Statue was unveiled in Tavistock Square and all Indians and British come here every year on 30th Jan. to commemorate India Freedom Fight and Pay Homage to Gandhiji and other departed Souls!
I am glad that now in the Centenary of India League, shri C B Patel, a Patriot and Philanthropist Editor and Publisher of AV and GS is at the helm of India League in Britain!
Upendra Kapadia
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