Mela seeks to preserve ideals of Ghadarites

Poetry, debate, speeches, art and brainstorming sessions marked the 34th Mela Ghadri Babeyan Da, which began on Thursday (October 30). Hundreds of people --- intellectuals, writers, activists, academics, journalists, artists and ideologues --- converged from across the state, country and abroad, holding discussions on the ideals of Ghadarites and sundry other topics related to their beliefs and ideals.

The bustling 'Mela' - a space for discussions and cultural exchanges, was first started in 1992. As a committee member said, "The empty grounds of the Yadgaar Hall had prompted Baba Bilga to urge youths - Bacchon, Kuch Karo."

A brainchild of three Ghadarite pillars committed to keep the beacon of Ghadarite thought alive, the Mela was envisioned by Baba Bhagat Singh Bilga, Comrade Gandharva Sen Kochar and Naunihal Singh. Baba Bilga was an octogenarian when the Mela started on November 1, 1992, the date inspired by the launch of 'Ghadar' newspaper in San Francisco in 1913.

'Ghadar' (meaning revolt), the newspaper first published in Urdu, was the Indian expatriates' blazing overseas endeavour committed to further the cause of India's independence struggle. The Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall is a keeper of the discourses, writings, art, debate, pictures, symbols, flags and the very thought of that era until today - which have been preserved at the hall as a reminder of the Ghadarites' sacrifices.

Cultural wing convenor of the Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall, Amolak Singh said, "Ghadarite thought had been crushed in 1947. The Ghadarites made countless sacrifices for the nation. Their youths went to jail and were old men (lovingly called Baabe) when they came out. Hence the prefix, "Ghadri Baabe". When the foundation of the Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall was laid in 1959, many Ghadarites were still alive. But until 1992, many were gone. So, lest people should totally forgot about those legends, Baba Bhagat Singh Bilga, Comrade Gandharva Sen Kochar and Naunihal Singh devised a way to mobilise the youth so that lessons of history remained intact. Since Punjab is a land of festivals and 'melas' (fairs), the Mela was started to celebrate the Ghadarite legacy."

Yadgaar Committee member and librarian Chiranji Lal Kangniwal said, "It was a time when some Punjab Melas were getting 'lachar' (vulgar). They had bad music and musicians. On the other hand, committee members thought "Kurbaniyan Karan Valean Di Koi Baat Nahi Puchda" (no one is bothered about those who made sacrifices). So, Baba Bilga said, "The grounds are empty; children, do something". That's how the first Mela was held. The peasantry also had an active role to play in it.”