Post News Network
Dhamnagar, August 11: Leading a lonely life in a shanty at Suryapur under this block of Bhadrak district, 92-year-old Rajanikant Goswami reminisces his days
as a freedom fighter, but at same time feels anguished as he thinks that successive governments have failed to give the country back its past glory.
Goswami, who had dedicated his youth for the country’s freedom, says, “Even after 68 years since Independence the dreams of our freedom fighters have not been fulfilled.”
At the age of 18, Goswami took a plunge into the freedom movement and participated in the Salt Satyagraha. In 1942, he abandoned studies and participated in the Quit India Movement. He recalls that Quit India Movement was led by freedom fighter Sardar Muralidhar Panda in Dhusuri, August 28. Goswami was one of the active leaders in the area. Scores of British policemen had rushed to the area with a target of catching hold of Goswami and were successful in their endeavor.
He was lodged in Balasore jail for two months. After trial in then magistrate court presided over by Purna Chandra Mohanty, Goswami was awarded rigorous punishment for eight months.
But the punishment failed to deter his spirit to fight for the country’s independence. After his release from jail, Goswami again took part in anti-British activities and intensified freedom movement.
“Eventually, the country attained Independence. Many governments were voted to power since Independence till now, but the dreams that we had seen for India have dashed,” Goswami says.
The 92-year-old says he feels sorry for those who have faked themselves as freedom fighters just to get financial benefits and honour. He has never aspired for honour and all that make him happy are memories of the days of freedom struggle, Goswami says.
