A fight for freedom

When the children plan a peaceful procession in the park to protest against the British rule, they don’t realise they are going to be involved in something quite dangerous. A short story based on India’s freedom struggle by Sunila Gupte

Pune, August, 1942

“Of course!” shouted Jehangir and Aziz, boisterously. “We will carry the Indian flags! We have to show solidarity with the freedom movement.”

Jenny added loudly, “We will take out a procession. We are freedom fighters too!”

Aban, Shireen’s mother, came in. “What is this commotion? Go out! It’s not raining.”

“Ma, we are planning something even you will like. No more noise. Promise.” said Shireen.

Along with Amanpreet, Radha, Nandini and Subhalakshmi, the 12- and 13-year-olds had taken a solemn oath to fight for India’s freedom. They knew the elders were organising secret meetings and rallies and helping people who had gone ‘underground’. The children helped by taking messages, putting pamphlets in envelopes, and carrying secret letters, but wanted to do something more and follow Gandhiji’s path of non-violence.

“This is the best plan,” said Vivek. “We’ll meet here tomorrow, march round the park, stop near the bridge and wave our flags. The police can’t do anything to us. We will be peaceful.”