'1857 revolt was the 1st struggle for independence'

Rae Bareli, July 30: United Progressive Alliance chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said the battle of 1857 was the ''first Struggle for Independence'' in the country against British rule which was later achieved through united efforts.

''Though two pro-British historians have termed the 1857 struggle a Sepoy Mutiny but this is a limited word for such a big protest which finally lead to the independence of the country,'' she said.

Addressing a function on the honour of great freedom fighter Beni Madho, on the opening day of her three day visit to her parliamentary constituency, the AICC president said the 1857 struggle was related to independence and livelihood which was widely supported by the masses.'' With the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and Congress, and the support of the people and sacrifice of the freedom fighters, the goal of Independence was achieved'', she noted.

Claiming that Mahatma Gandhi's philosphy of'Ahimsa' was accepted world wide, she said now even United Nations General Assembly has resolved to observe his birthday on October 2 as 'International Day of Peace'.

However, the Rae Bareli MP was critical over the state of affairs in the post-Independence period saying that even after 60 years of Independence, the country has not achieved its goal in the field of education and development.

'' Much has to be done unitedly for achieving the target in the field of education and development'', she said.

During the occasion, the Congress leader also honoured some freedom fighters of the area.

Before addressing the function, Ms Gandhi visited a Durga Temple which was built by Beni Madho.

Beni Madho, an expert guerilla fighter had assisted Hazrat Mahal in her fight against the British forces.

UNI