IN SEARCH OF AZAD(I)

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 PATRIOTIC TOURISM - Day 1





There are many types of touring - Staycations, Heritage trails, Spritual Tourism etc. But this summer that went by, my son and I went on a Patriotic tour! For the past couple of years he has been reading heavily about the Indian Freedom Movement and has developed deep affinity for the heroes involved and wanted to visit the historical sites. So much so that a home body like me felt inspired to oblige 🙂

      We first flew to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The taxi driver was courteous as he took us around the city which has got a good facelift since Kumbhamela. After a decent lunch, we proceeded to visit the legendary Alfred park where Chandra Shekar Azad was martyred.




     It was a vast area, not very crowded and had the vibe of a place where you can just sit out and read a book on a sunny winter afternoon. The tall old trees and green grass all over showed that the park has been well maintained over the years. It was a looong walk from gate 1 where we entered to Gate 5 where the spot is but when we reached, it was a sight to behold. There stood the metal statue of Chandra Shekar Azad in his burlesque charm, holding a pistol and grooming his moustache. Behind him was the Jamun tree where he hid during the stand off with the British police.




     My chatty son suddenly became quiet and stood next to the tree. He was probably playing out what happened back then, so I let him have the moment and sat on the bench close by. As I looked up at our hero I was in awe of the Dhrida Nischay/ Gumption of the youth to readily lay down his life for Dharma/what's right and how his spirited actions have impacted my son living decades and miles away from them.When the cause is noble, the troubles will be worth it and our names may live on to inspire.Later, he took me through the scene in detail, truly heroic.



     We then clicked a few pictures, had a popsicle to beat the heat. Took a dip in the Ganga, had darshan in Bade Hanuman ji ki mandir, felt nostalgic about Kumbha mela 😇. Spent some time in a cafe till late in the evening and caught the bus to our next stop..... guess where. 


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