Lucknow: The 37th annual cycle rally organised in memory of the immortal martyrs of the Kakori Train Action concluded with deep reverence, patriotic fervour and a renewed pledge to uphold the ideals of India’s freedom struggle. Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Krantikari Parishad, the rally was flagged off by noted historian Ravi Bhatt and witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth, artists, journalists and citizens.
The rally commenced from Netaji Subhash Chowk near Hanuman Setu and culminated at the Shaheed Smarak in Kakori. Cyclists paid homage to the brave revolutionaries who challenged British colonial rule through the historic Kakori Train Action, an episode that continues to inspire generations with its courage and organisational strength.
On the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Krantikari Parishad president and senior theatre personality Anil Mishra ‘Guruji’ and the organisation’s secretary and senior journalist Ashok Singh honoured historian Ravi Bhatt with a shawl. Addressing the gathering, Anil Mishra said that the nation has now witnessed 100 years of the Kakori incident, which shook the foundations of British rule. He noted that the young revolutionaries not only looted the British treasury but also paved the way for an independent India, leaving behind a legacy of courage, unity and patriotism for the youth.
Historian Ravi Bhatt described the Kakori Train Action as a direct challenge to the strongest pillars of the British Empire. He said the incident proved that organised revolutionary efforts could destabilise imperial power, marking a decisive turning point when the freedom movement evolved from isolated actions into a broader mass movement with public participation.
During the rally, powerful street plays and patriotic folk songs were performed at major locations including Kaiserbagh Bus Stand, Khunkhunji Kothi Chauraha, Chowk, Balaganj, Thakurganj and Dubagga. Large crowds gathered at these spots, welcoming the cyclists with applause and floral showers.
Journalists Rakesh Rai and Ashok Singh, theatre artists Sonal Thakur and Rajveer Ratan, along with other scholars and social activists, addressed citizens at various points, recalling the sacrifices of the Kakori martyrs. The cultural wing of the Uttar Pradesh Krantikari Parishad, Amuk Artist Group, staged the impactful street play “Hum Kranti Karenge”, written and directed by Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Anil Mishra ‘Guruji’. The performances, preceded by stirring patriotic songs, infused the atmosphere with nationalism.
Actors Ramcharan, Anamika Singh, Poonam Vishwakarma, Shashank Pandey, Danish Ali and Rahul Pratap Singh delivered emotionally charged performances, while music was led by Prem Gaur and Santosh Sharma. The rally reached the Shaheed Smarak at Kakori by evening, where participants offered floral tributes to the martyrs.
The event concluded with a solemn assembly featuring songs, poetry and speeches honouring the heroes of the Kakori Train Action. Several senior artists, cultural activists and citizens were present, and the programme ended with a collective resolve to build an India worthy of the martyrs’ dreams.
