100 Years Of Chauri Chaura Incident: PM Modi Says Freedom Fighters Did Not Get Deserving Mention In History; Pays Homage To Baba Raghavdas And Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chauri Chaura Centenary Utsav celebrations in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Organised by the government of Uttar Pradesh, the celebrations mark the tribute to the freedom fighters who fought against the British 100 years ago.

Modi said that the celebrations will help the younger generations to know the contribution of Baba Raghavdas and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya in standing up and protecting the people of the region. He said that it was due to the efforts of Baba Raghavdas and Malaviya that a number of freedom fighters could be saved from the death sentence.

Baba Raghavdas is known as the Gandhi of Purvanchal. His efforts are said to have saved 153 freedom fighters from the death sentence out of the 172 accused.

The Chauri Chaura incident took place on 4 February 1922. Angered by the people killed in the police firing, the protesting people set the police thana on fire. Several policemen were killed in the retaliatory action. Mahatma Gandhi was pained to hear about the event. It led him to withdraw the Non Cooperation movement.

The Utsav celebrates the contribution of the people of Chauri Chaura and places around Chauri Chaura in India's freedom movement. Modi said that he offers his respects to the people of Chauri Chaura, who gave a new direction to the freedom struggle. He added that the incident 100 years ago added a huge message and meaning to the freedom struggle and it continues to inspire us.

He said that the efforts to celebrate the centenary of the Chaura Chauri incident is an important development at a time when India is celebrating 75 years of Independence, and those people who sacrificed their lives were not given the deserving mention in history.

The celebrations will continue through the year through different cultural facets. Deepotsava -- in the memory of the freedom fighters and brave soldiers of India will mark the state government's tribute.

UP Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that the celebrations are a mark of respect and tribute to those who gave a new direction to the freedom movement on 4 February 1922.

Adityanath said that the struggle faced by the freedom fighters will be remembered through continuing efforts at the important milestones and symbols across the state, of those brave Indians who have laid their lives between 1857 and 1947. Different cultural facets will mark the celebrations.