Inquilab Zindabad: Hasrat Mohani's Poetic Revolution
Dr Fauzia Khan
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha - Nationalist Congress Party | Member of Standing Committees on Women Empowerment, FC&PD | Former Minister for GAD, Education, Health & WCD Government of Maharashtra
Once upon a time in the vibrant land of Bharat, there lived a man named Syed Fazl-ul-Hasan, known to the world as Hasrat Mohani. Born on a chilly winter morning on January 1, 1875, in the quaint town of Mohan, he grew up to become a beacon of hope, a poet, and a freedom fighter.
Hasrat Mohani's journey was one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to the cause of independence. As a young boy, he exhibited exceptional brilliance in his studies, impressing everyone around him. His thirst for knowledge and his love for his homeland guided him through the trials and tribulations that lay ahead.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Hasrat Mohani pursued his education with utmost sincerity. He excelled in his studies, securing top positions and scholarships. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the hallowed halls of Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (now known as the Aligarh Muslim University), where he encountered like-minded individuals who shared his dreams of freedom. Among them were great souls like Mohammad Ali Jouhar and Shaukat Ali, with whom he would forge lifelong friendships.
However, Hasrat Mohani's passion for independence and his fervent criticism of the British government resulted in his expulsion from the college not once, but thrice. Undeterred, he continued to voice his dissent, refusing to be silenced by the oppressors. His courage and unwavering spirit earned him respect among his peers and the people.
Hasrat Mohani's poetic soul bloomed amidst the chaos of the freedom struggle. Through his verses, he expressed not only his love for his country but also his deep devotion to Krishna. He journeyed to Mathura to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, transcending religious boundaries and embracing the universality of love and peace.
With each passing day, Hasrat Mohani's voice grew stronger and his determination unwavering. In 1921, at the historic Ahmedabad Session of Congress, he etched his name in the annals of Indian history. Alongside Swami Kumaranand, he boldly demanded complete independence for India, a vision that resonated with the hearts of countless freedom fighters. It was there that he coined the immortal slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" - "Long live the revolution!" - which would echo through the ages, carried on the lips of heroes like Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh.
Hasrat Mohani's commitment to the cause of independence extended beyond political affiliations. He was a member of both the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League, serving as its president in 1919. Despite this, he opposed the partition of India, choosing to stand for a united and harmonious nation.
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In the tumultuous times that followed the declaration of the Partition Plan in 1947, Hasrat Mohani faced a crucial decision. While many opted to migrate to Pakistan, he chose to remain in independent India. He became a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, actively contributing to the drafting of the nation's constitution.
True to his principles, Hasrat Mohani led a simple life, refusing government allowances and official residences. He found solace in the mosques and traveled to the Parliament in a shared tonga, for he believed in the equality of all human beings. When asked why he travelled third class, he humorously replied that there was no fourth class. Such was the humility and sincerity that defined him.
Hasrat Mohani's journey was not without sacrifice. He endured imprisonment, where he experienced first-hand the hardships faced by political prisoners. Yet, these trials only fuelled his determination to see India free from the clutches of British Raj.
His association with the Communist Party of India showcased his progressive ideals and his deep admiration for the Russian revolution. He actively participated in the preparations for the first all-India Communist conference in 1925 and later became a part of the Central Executive Committee. Furthermore, he attended the foundation conference of the Progressive Writers' Association in 1936, a testament to his belief in the power of literature and the arts to shape society.
In the heart of Hasrat Mohani, the flame of freedom burned brightly until his last breath. His legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience, passion, and the undying spirit of independence. His name will forever be intertwined with the struggle for a united, inclusive, and free India.
And so, as the sun sets on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the land that Hasrat Mohani held dear, his words echo through time, reminding us all that the revolution lives on. Inquilab Zindabad! Long live the revolution!