Garhwal Post Bureau
Bengaluru, 23 Jul: ‘The All India Freedom Fighters Samiti’, New Delhi, successfully conducted its Executive Committee Meeting today at Gandhi Bhavan, Kumar Park, Bengaluru, bringing together office bearers, executive members, veteran freedom fighters, and distinguished guests from across the country.
The programme commenced with the assembly of members, followed by an inspiring interaction with students of Sheshadripuram College on the theme “Value of Education and Environment”. The session was held under the guidance of Dr Wode P Krishna, President, Gandhi Peace Foundation & Gandhi Bhavan and General Secretary, Sheshadripuram Education Society, along with the Principal of Sheshadripuram College. Members of the Samiti encouraged students to uphold the ideals of patriotism, environmental protection, social responsibility, and national service.
The Executive Committee meeting was thereafter convened to deliberate on important organisational matters. The Committee resolved to initiate the appointment of a Working President following the demise of the late Ravindra Yelnoorkar, review inactive office bearers, and adopt future organisational programmes aimed at strengthening the Samiti across the country.
The programme was graced by Asha Lal, President, Women’s Wing, All India Freedom Fighters Samiti, Dehradun, as the Chief Guest. The gathering was further honoured by the presence of RD Kalaghatagi, 106-year-old Veteran Freedom Fighter from Belagavi, and Bhagwan Puri Hariba, 96-year-old Veteran Freedom Fighter from Kalaburagi, whose lifelong service to the nation inspired all present.
The meeting was convened by Apparao S Navale, General Secretary & Treasurer, and Basavaraj Hattigowdar, Belagavi.
During the Executive Committee meeting, the Samiti unanimously adopted six important resolutions on national issues and the welfare of Freedom Fighters’ families:
1. Youth Employment: Expressed deep concern over growing unemployment among educated youth and urged the Central and State Governments to introduce special employment and skill development programmes. The Samiti also resolved to undertake awareness campaigns with Freedom Fighters’ families to inspire youth towards nation-building.
2. Global Developments: Noted the economic impact of the Russia–Ukraine and Israel–USA–Iran conflicts on India, including rising fuel prices and inflation, and appealed to the Government of India to continue its policy of peace while ensuring the safety of Indian citizens abroad.
3. Political Representation: Reiterated the demand that only the immediate next generation of recognised Freedom Fighters be nominated to the Rajya Sabha and provided appropriate reservation in Lok Sabha representation.
4. Official Recognition: Urged both the Central and State Governments to formally recognise eligible families as “Freedom Fighters Parivar” and issue a uniform national identity card.
5. Comprehensive Welfare Package: Demanded concessional and free medical facilities, concessional air, rail and bus travel, subsidised business loans, and free accommodation for seven days, three times annually, in State Bhawans at New Delhi for the next generation of Freedom Fighters on official work.
6. National Delegation: Resolved to send a national delegation to meet the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers of all States to submit these demands and seek their early implementation.
The Samiti reaffirmed that preserving the legacy of India’s Freedom Fighters and ensuring the dignity and welfare of their families is a national responsibility. It also emphasised that constructive engagement of youth in nation-building remains essential for building a stronger, united, and progressive India.
