Parliament celebrates First War of Independence

New Delhi, May 10: The Parliament today celebrated the 150th anniversary of the First War of Independence, whose first spark was ignited on this day in 1857 at Meerut when 'sepoys' mutinied and attacked the symbols of British imperial power.

At a commemorative function in the Central Hall of Parliament, President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee addressed the dignitaries who included former Prime Ministers, Members of Parliament, and diplomats of foreign Embassies and High Commissions.

The hour-long programme began with an observance of a two-minute silence in memory of the martyrs of the first organised uprising against British colonialism.

This was followed by rendition of Ghazal of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Moghul Emperor, 'Lagta nahi hai dil mera" by Jagjit Singh.

Renowned Hindustani vocalist Shubha Mudgal rendered the abridged version of Subhadra Kumari Chauhan : 'Bundele Harbolo ke mooh hamne suni kahani thi, khoob ladi mardani woh to Jhansi Wali Rani thi'.

Noted Urdu and Hindi lyricist Gulzar rendered "1857-a nazm," which was specially composed for the occasion.

A documentary of the First War of Independence, which was shot by the Lok Sabha television channel, was shown at the function.

UNI