UFNI remembers the hero of anti Kuli Begaar movement against the British colonial rule Badri Dutt Pandey on his 144 anniversary
SUNIL NEGI
Yesterday, the UFNI ( Uttarakhand Film avim Natya Sansthan) organised a programme to pay tributes to the great freedom fighter and Ghandhian of Almora who lead a massive movement to free people from “Kulee Begar” during the colonial era of the British imperialists on the occassion of his144 th birth anniversary, at Uttarakhand Sadan at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
The biggest achivement of this event was the presence of the granddaughter Dr. Amrita Pant as chief guest who spoke at length on the “Kuli Begar movement and its implications including Mahatma Gandhi’s blessing her grandfather Badri Datt Pandey acknowledged in his prolonged n relentless fight against the then Britishers finally freeing the enslaved people of Almora from the deadly clutches of “Kulee Begar” the then tradition of the local inhabitants of Almora n Kumaon region working for the British as slaves as forced labours.
During her enlightened speech Dr.Amrita Pant shed light on the daring and dashing personality of Kumaon Kesari Badri Dutt Pandey and his relentless struggle including the presence of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi in Almora to bless this movement.
Dr. Hari Suman Bisht presented the version of the chief guest Amrita Pandey through a video which is self explanatory.
He threw light on the life and personality of Kumaon Keshari. Two excerpts from Dr. Amrita Pant’s statement for you. ( Below)
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A great freedom fighter, author of the book “History of Kumaon”, a great hero who forever swept away the “coolie begar evil practice” in the stream of Saryu, whom Uttarakhand forgot, for whom even the city of Almora has not been able to find a suitable place to install his statue.
Humble tribute remembering such a great hero said Dr. Hari Suman Bisht.
The programme was organised by Sanyogita Pant of UFNI and eminent literaturer of Uttarakhand Dr.Hari Suman Bisht was the special guest of honour on this ocassion.
Addressing the audience Dr. Amrita pant said that Badri Dutt Pandey never want to seek political positions and power. Had he believed in that he would have become a minister as the then government was offering him the ministership, but he flatly denied.
He was presented two heavy Gold medals and I fondly remember that during the 1962 war he had donated them to Bharat Raksha Fund said Dr.Amrita Pant, the grand daughter of Badri Dutt Pandey , legend.
When the government offered him the freedom fighters pension , despite the financial crisis in the family he refused to accept it.
He was such an simple man with high thinking that Govind Ballabh Pant used to consider him his political mentor and was reverred immensely said Dr.Pant in her address.
Highlighting on one more incident she said : Once CB Gupta, the then CM UP came to his house and sat in a compound calling Badridutt Pandey to come downstairs and sit with him. He said my wife is not at home otherwise I would have offered you a cup of tea. He sat and deliberated for sometime with Pandey and then left. So respectful was his eminent personality said Dr.Pant.
Gandhiji also arrived at Almora and the crowd soared at his meeting tremendously. Gandhiji spoke with a feeble voice being not in good health and Radha Behen translated it in loud voice.
Gandhiji had lauded the efforts of Badridutt Pandey and had written a piece in YOUNG INDIA in admiration of Pandeyji and the Kuli Begaar Andolan said Dr.Amrita Pant.
Gandhi in a humourous tone while addressing the crowd said that the British Government is a Baniya Sarkar, and a Baniya in my mould has been sent by God to fight and evict them out of power and everyone laughed said Dr.Pant.
Recounting an incident with full throat, Mrs. Pant told that when my grandfather was in jail due to the movement, one of my uncles had died and due to the same shock, my aunt had also gone to heaven.
Despite two deaths within four days, Dada ji did not let his courage diminish and continued his movement and public awareness program until the coolie forced labor system was abolished.
In all Badri Dutt Pandey was behind jails for nine year on various phases of his freedom fighter and Kuli Begar movement said Dr. Amrita Pant.
Badridutt Pandey was simple, affable and helpful for everyone. He left for his heavenly abode on the day of Uttarayini and the last word he uttered were Ram Ram said Dr. Amrita Pant.
Expressing her anguish and pain, she said that even after 78 years of independence, his statue has not been installed in Almora due to government apathy.
Renowned magician Shri K.C. Pandey said that efforts should be made to convey the biography of Kumaon Keshari to today’s generation. Famous theater artist Shri Hari Semwal ji emphasized on such events from time to time. Literary Secretary of the institute, Shri Darshan Singh Rawat said that the institute has been organizing such programs continuously since the year 2016. Former administrator of the institute, Shri Brijmohan Sharma ‘Vedwal’ stressed on mutual unity. On behalf of the institute, Mr. Umesh Banduni, Mr. Shashi Badola, Mr. Deen Dayal Juyal also presented their views. The programme was efficiently conducted by
B.Lal Shastri .
Those present and some of them addressed the symposium were Mrs. Amita Pant, Dr. Ishita Pant, P.C. Nainwal, KC Pandey, Harisuman Bisht, Hem Pant, Sanyogita Dhyani, BL Shastri, Darshan Singh Rawat, Satendra Farandiyal, Kusum Bisht, Santosh Badoni, Anju Bhandari, Manju Bhatt, Dharmendra Prasad, Rampal Kimoli, Kiran Rampal, Aksh Rampal, Umesh Banduni, Lakshmi Vedwal, Shashi Kant Badola, Pushpa Deoli, Babli Adhikari, Veena Dhoundiyal, Hari Semwal, Ravi Rawat, Brijmohan Sharma, Anju Purohit, Vandana Bhatt, Deendayal Juyal, Lakshmi Juyal, Sunita Kharkwal, Riya Sharma, Ravindra Pandey, Sachin etc.
