Katni: The valiant sacrifice of the pioneers of the 1857 Revolution, Amar Shaheed Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah, was remembered with reverence during a Shaurya Diwas celebration and Social Equality & Brotherhood Conference held at Mangal Bhavan, Dhimarkheda. The event witnessed a large gathering of social workers, activists, and local citizens.

The program was graced by Mr. R.B. Singh Patel, National General Secretary of Apna Dal (S), as the Chief Guest, while Engineer Mr. Satyaprakash Kuril, National President (SC/ST Forum) of Apna Dal (S), and Mr. Ashok Vishwakarma, Vice President of District Panchayat, Katni, attended as the keynote speakers. The event was organized under the leadership of Dr. B.K. Patel, Subhash Patel, Rishiram Patel, Santram Patel, Vijay Choudhary, Suresh Kol, Atul Choudhary, Omkar Choudhary, Indrajeet Lodhi, and others. The proceedings commenced with floral tributes to the martyrs’ portraits, followed by a collective pledge for social unity.

Sacrifice as a Source of Inspiration

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr. R.B. Singh Patel emphasized, “The martyrdom of Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah remains a source of inspiration for us all. Their sacrifice teaches us that true patriotism lies in uniting for the cause of society and the nation. Tribal heroes across history, including the revered Birsa Munda, fought valiantly against the Mughals and the British for the nation’s honor and pride.”

Highlighting present-day concerns, he added, “Despite their historical sacrifices, tribal, forest-dwelling, and nomadic communities continue to live in deprived conditions. Successive governments sought their votes but left them dependent on forests, water, and land for survival. Many still cut wood for sustenance and remain deprived of education.”

Call for Social Justice and Policy Reform

Mr. Patel further said that party leader Ms. Anupriya Patel had raised the issue of caste census in Parliament, stressing that all communities should receive government benefits in proportion to their population. He reiterated the party’s demand for:

Revolution as a Fight for Equality

Keynote speaker Engineer Satyaprakash Kuril stated, “The 1857 Revolution was not only a struggle for independence but also a battle for social equality and justice. Even today, we must draw lessons from their ideals and foster harmony and brotherhood in society.”

Honoring the Legacy for Future Generations

Addressing the conference, Mr. Ashok Vishwakarma remarked, “It is vital to remember the valor of our historical heroes and inspire the younger generation by connecting them with their ideals.”

The event received special support from Jitendra Patel, Jagdish Patel, Mahendra Lodhi, Ramadhar Patel, and Prakash Patel, along with several other social activists.

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