Prof Jagmohan Singh, nephew of Shaheed Bhagat Singh

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Kuka movement, the communication and international linkages department of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) held a symposium at Wheat Auditorium here today. Eminent experts discussed in detail the Kuka movement, started in April 1857, which emphasised on complete boycott of British products, courts, schools, educational institutions, railways and post and telegraph services and promoting swadeshi goods.

The speakers said movement was unique in many ways. They emphasised that it was for the first time that the British came across such a unique and formidable type of power that was not directed by any state or empire equipped with strong weapons, but was run by divine people, who were in complete harmony with Sikh Gurus.

Speaking at the seminar eminent economist and administrator, Dr S.S. Johl said Kuka Movement was the first organised battle of struggle for independence. He added that such seminars should be frequently held for creating awareness among the youth about those who really played a significant role towards winning freedom for the country. "Freedom was not won contentedly but huge sacrifices had to be made," he said.

Prof Prithipal Singh Kapoor, former pro VC Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, speaking on the occasion said Kukas had made great contributions in getting independence to the country. A large number of Namdhari Sikhs were martyred by cannon fires and hanging on the charges of committing armed-mutiny against the British Rule in 1871-72. Satguru Ram Singh Ji was exiled and deported to British Burma after which a permanent police post was set-up at Bhaini Sahib where restrictions were imposed even on chanting of Gurbani, he said.

S. Suwaran Singh Virk delivered his talk on the "India's struggle for freedom and Kuka Movement." He said movement had a unique place in the history of India.

Prof Jagmohan Singh, nephew of Shaheed Bhagat Singh speaking on the occasion said at the age of 14, Shaheed Bhagat Singh had participated in Kuka conference held in 1921. The stage was conducted by Dr Gurbhajan Gill. The symposium was inaugurated by Dr M.S. Kang, VC, and Prof S.S. Johl was the guest of honour on this occasion.

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Yatindra Bhatnagar said:

It's just by chance that I stumbled upon this site and read about the symposium on the 150th anniversary of the famous - but now almost forgotten - Kuka movement. Yes, without doubt, Kuka movement was the first organized and all-comprehensive movement to drive the British out of India. Universities in Punjab are doing a fine job of organizing such functions to remind the people and younger generations about the glorious heritage of India and its freedom struggle. I am grateful for enabling the readers to know about such events. I thank and congratulate the organizers and the speakers and wish more such events take place, more regularly, throughout India. I am now living in the United States for the last more than 22 years but keep in touch (for obvious reasons not extensively) in what's happening in India.

August 25, 2008 | url

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