New Delhi - More than 10,000 youth in India Monday began a five-day march to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's first war of independence, officials said. The rally which was flagged off from northern Meerut city, where the uprising began, would cover a distance of 80 kilometres to reach the Indian capital New Delhi on May 11 to culminate in grand celebrations.
Men and women from various Indian states chanted patriotic slogans in homage to the thousands of freedom fighters killed during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and followed a team of 85 Army personnel on horseback.
The participants marched to the tune of patriotic songs playing in the background and held aloft banners, flags and posters in depicting nationalistic messages.
According to historians, the revolt by the sepoys or Indian soldiers in Meerut in May 1857, inspired Indians to launch the rebellion against the British occupation of the sub-continent.
The Indian Mutiny also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a prolonged period of an armed revolt in over 100 cities and towns across India. India finally gained independence from the British rule in 1947.
Federal Minister of Sports Mani Shankar Aiyar who flagged off the march, called upon youth to uphold ideals of national integration, secularism and unity in diversity.
"We have started to march with the same spirit as that of the freedom fighters of 1857 but we have to remember that the message of Gandhi regarding truth and non-violence should not be forgotten," Aiyar said.
Youths were enthused and excited about participating in the rally. "I am very happy. By being part of the rally, I feel like a true Indian and my love for the country has gone up several notches," Jacob. a student from the north-eastern Nagaland state, told the IANS news agency.
"It is a lifetime experience. It goes without saying that I am lucky to have participated in this rally,"another participant MR Charhah told IANS.
According to officials, the participants would halt at towns and cities and interact with eminent scholars in 30 sessions to reach Delhi's historic Red Fort on May 11.
The function at Red Fort will be attended by top Indian leaders including President APJ Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Indian government has organized a year-long programme across the country to pay tributes to the freedom fighters who provided the initial momentum for Indian independence. The functions and events are expected to create public awareness and cast a new light on the history of India's freedom struggle, officials said.
