Under the leadership of the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to hold Kakori Train Action centenary celebrations across India.
In this sequence, the Lucknow-based theatre training institute Bharatendu Natya Academy will stage performances in prominent states, bringing to life the story of the Kakori heroes and the historic train action.
Bharatendu Natya Academy Director Bipin Kumar said that the theatrical performances would be held in different cities of Uttar Pradesh as well as in various other states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Telangana and Delhi.
Besides, the performances will also be staged in the northeastern regions including Sikkim and Assam among others.
According to Bipin Kumar, the BNA’s inaugural theatrical performance will take place in Lucknow this September. Subsequent performances will be staged in other districts of UP before expanding to states across the country.
“The state government aims to instill a strong sense of patriotism among citizens, ensuring that the heroic sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters are honoured and remembered by the present and future generations. Aligning with Chief Minister Yogi’s vision, the theatrical performances will spread the message of the Kakori Train Action centenary festival to the masses,” he remarked.
On August 9, 1925, the Kakori train robbery shook the British government when revolutionaries halted the 8 Down Saharanpur-Lucknow passenger train at Kakori and looted the government treasury. In response, freedom fighters Ram Prasad Bismil, Rajendra Nath Lahiri, Roshan Singh and Ashfaqullah Khan were sentenced to death, while others were imprisoned in the infamous Cellular Jail (Kaala Pani).
The centenary celebrations, which officially commenced on August 9, will continue throughout the year with a range of statewide activities. As part of this, the state government is organising various cultural programmes to honour the memories of freedom fighters as well as inspire patriotism among the people.
