Unsung Heroes | History Corner | Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India

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Paying tribute to India’s freedom fighters

Bapu Samaji Shetke

Satara, Maharashtra

May 22, 2023 to May 22, 2024

Bapu Samaji Shetke hailed from Kokrud Shirala Petha in Maharashtra, India. Shetke's active participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement in the Satara district of Maharashtra played a significant role in mobilizing the masses for the cause of Indian independence.

During the Civil Disobedience Movement, extensive propaganda was carried out to mobilize the masses in the region. The movement included various activities such as Prabhat feris, public meetings, hartals, the singing of patriotic songs, and black-flag demonstrations against colonial government officials. Shetke was one of the most prominent activists involved in this movement, and his contribution to the cause of Indian independence was immense. Shetke's active involvement in the freedom struggle saw him participate in multiple protests. In particular, he participated in the black flag incident at Satyagrah on March 31, 1932. This protest aimed to demonstrate the resolve of the Indian people to fight for their freedom and to challenge the authority of the British colonial government. However, Shetke's activism did not go unnoticed by the British authorities, who were quick to arrest and prosecute him for his participation in the Satyagraha that took place in Shirala during the Civil Disobedience Movement. On February 10, 1933, he was convicted and sentenced to nine months of rigorous imprisonment. Undeterred by the imprisonment, Shetke continued to participate in Congress activities, advocating for the cause of Indian independence. On January 26, 1933, he went to Tasgaon, where he declared himself as the dictator of the district Congress committee and distributed Congress bulletins. He also invited people to attend a meeting in celebration of India's independence day. However, for his involvement in these activities, he was again sentenced to six months of rigorous imprisonment.

Bapu Samaji Shetke, from Kokrud Shirala Petha, actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement in the Satara district, playing a significant role in mobilizing the masses for the cause of Indian independence. He faced imprisonment for his involvement in protests and continued to support the freedom struggle despite the hardships he endured.

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