Freedom Fighter - Hemu Kalani

Hemu Kalani belongs to that rare band of revolutionaries and martyrs whose

indomitable spirits brook no resistance, for whom tortures of imprisonment have

no meaning and death holds no terror. Hemu Kalani was so happy in his readiness to

make the supreme sacrifice for the liberation of his motherland, that he gained weight

during the last days which is most unusual for a prisoner condemned to die. While marching

to the gallows, he consoled his distressed mother by reminding her of her earlier teachings of

gita regarding the indestructibility of soul. So strong was his patriotic zeal that he pledged his

next life also to the cause of India's Freedom.

Hemu Kalani was born at Sukkur in Sind (now in Pakistan), on 23rd March, 1923.

He was the son of late Shri Pesumal Kalani and Smt. Jethi Bai. He was brave and patriotic

right from his childhood.Even at the age of 7, he used to lead the bous of his locality with the

tri-colour in his hands along with his friends, he used to plead for boycotting all foreign goods and used

to plead for boycotting all foreign goods and used to take an active part in persuading people to

use Swadeshi goods. He was soon drawn to revolutionary activates and started participating in

acts of terrorism for the sake of driving away the British. He was always leading in raids and in

burning of vehicles belonging to the oppressors.

In 1942, When Mahatma Gandhi gave the call 'Quit India' and the slogan 'Do or Die',

Hemu Kalani also joined the mass movement. There was such active participation from the

people of Sind Province in this movement that the British rulers had to send special troops

consisting of European batallions. When Hemu Kalani came to know that these troops and the

ammunition would be arriving in sind by a railway train passing through his town, he decided to

detail the train by removing the fishplates from the railway track. He and his friends were severely

handicapped in not having any tools for loosening the nuts and bolts and for removing the fishplates.

Time was also against them. Hemu, however, did not give up. HE inspired his friends to loosen the nuts

and bolts with the help of indigenous ropes and they started on this job. However, before they could

complete it, they were seen by the British troops and Hemu, in his Effort to save his friends, was caught.

He was imprisoned and tortured to give out the names of his friends but he stubbornly refused to

divulge any information. He was tried under the then prevailing miracle law and sentenced to deth.

People of Sind petitioned for mercy to the to the viceroy but the death sentence was upheld,

un bless Hemu turned an approver and gave information regarding his fellow resolutionaires.

There was no question of Hemu's accepting these conditions and he welcomed the impending

death most cheerfully. This young freedom fighter and revolutionary was hung on 21stst Jan. 1943.

Hemu's is an example of unflinching courage and devotion to his motherland. He participated in Mahatma

Gandhi's movements and at the same time, took recourse to terrorist activities also to drive away

the foreigners who were keeping India captive. The names of patriots like Hemu Kalani would always

be remembered fondly while studying the history of India's Freedom Struggle.

(The above text is based on material published elsewhere and/or supplied by the sponsors).

Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a commemorative stamp in the

memory of this great martyr