To Mark August Kranti Banasthali Rajasthan Observes Shaheed Diwas

When it comes to preserving legacy and heritage, Banasthali which is also the World’s largest fully residential women’s university stands apart from other institutions in India today. The launching of Quit India movement with the Do or Die “ Karo ya Maro” Mantra on Aug 9, 1942 at Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai by the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi indeed shook the very foundation of the British empire. The Do or Die clarion call galvanized not one or two or three Indians for the Freedom struggle but lakhs of them to come forward and sacrifice for the nation at large. August Kranti beyond doubt is the Shaheed Diwas milestone for India.

For the past several decades, Banasthali has been observing 09 August every year as Shaheed Diwas. The stellar role of Banasthali in the freedom struggle of India is folklore. The founder of Banasthali “Apaji” Hiralal Shastri himself is a veteran freedom fighter and member of the Constituent Assembly and signatory to the Constitution of India. Banasthali educational philosophy goes beyond imparting formal education to women in various fields and includes value system, ethics, good citizenship, patriotism etc. On 09 Aug 2019, despite dark clouds hanging all over the 850 acre campus with threats of heavy rain, thousands of students and faculty assembled at the lush green Lakshmi Bhai Maidan to pay respects and recall the sacrifices made by countless number of Indians for achieving freedom for the nation. A special wreath was placed in artistically decorated memorial to remember the Shaheeds.

As per custom, the Banasthali buglers played the extraordinarily powerful "Last Post" a typical bugle call used at British or Commonwealth military funerals and ceremonies commemorating those who have been killed in war and the emotional factor had everyone in tears. The Last Post is said to symbolize that the duty of the dead is over and they can rest in peace. It is said that Last Post was one of many bugle calls soldiers of old had to recognize in military camp as its original purpose was to signal that the duty officer had completed his evening inspection of the camp, and that silent hours had begun.

The Banasthali choir sang soul stirring songs “Tumko Pranam Hai” and “Iss Diye ki lau jalaye tum rakna” accompanied by mesmerizing violin music played by Shri Kumar Nabjit Narayan Deb. When the program ended, the students and faculty left the venue with beaming faces and pride that they were indeed part of an institution which is a shining jewel in the crown among the eminent educational institutions in India today. At Banasthali, Shaheed Diwas to Mark August Kranti is indeed A Day Never to be Forgotten.

For more details see http://www.banasthali.org/

Banasthali Vidyapith
P.O. Banasthali Vidyapith
Rajasthan – 304022
Phone 91 1438 228456 / 228341
Email: info@banasthali.ac.in
Website: http://www.banasthali.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Banasthali.org

About Banasthali: Established in 1935, the Institution which is also the largest fully residential women’s university in the world has played a big role in revolutionizing women’s education and empowerment in India for the last eight decades. Banasthali has scripted numerous success stories in a wide range of fields, and stands tall among the citadels of learning in India today. Proud to be Banasthali alumni who call themselves as Banasthalites can be found in all latitudes, longitudes and altitudes in all walks of life across the globe. Banasthali has the pride of being chosen as a Faculty Development Centre under the MHRD Govt of India Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) as well as for hosting Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) by NITI Aayog Apart from various National Rankings which include India Today #2, FICCI University of the year 2015, NAAC A grade, MHRD NIRF 29, in recent past, Banasthali has been in national and international media attention for getting Quacquarelli Symonds QS Asia University Ranking, QS BRICS Ranking, Diamond status under QS i-Gauge Indian University Rating and the overall Four Star Ranking in - QS Stars Rated for Excellence with 5 Stars for each for Teaching, Employability, Facilities, Arts & Culture and Inclusiveness.