Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

A train journey through history

— Photo: S. Mahinsha

Train of thought: A view inside one of the coaches of Azadi Express that arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Station on Friday.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: What does Sister Nividita, an Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda, have to do with the Indian Tri-colour? The younger generation may not be aware that she first designed the flag in 1904.

Interesting information on the history of the national flag, historical moments of the Independence struggle and achievements made in various spheres are displayed on the ‘Azadi Express’ train, which arrived at the Central Railway Station in Thiruvananthapuram on a four-day visit on Friday.

The flag designed by Sister Nividita had red and yellow colour and had ‘Bonde Matoram’ written in Bengali. It had a figure of Vajram, the weapon of Indra, and a white lotus in the centre. The flag was first hoisted in alien soil on August 22, 1907, by Madam Cama at Stuttgart, Germany. The history of the Tri-colour details the changes in its design, and Mahatma Gandhi’s objection, when it had only two colours, to its adoption as the national flag by a committee headed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1947.

Organised as part of the 150th anniversary of the First War of Independence and the 60th year of Indian Independence by the Ministries of Culture and Information & Broadcasting, the exhibition on wheels has been designed, developed and executed by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity.

The exhibition is spread over 11 railway coaches and the coaches have been given names associated with the freedom struggle.

From the entry of European traders in the 17th century, the 1857 revolt, the conquering of India by the British, the national awakening, Gandhi’s emergence as a national leader, Quit India movement to achievements made after Independence are featured in the exhibition.

In the section ‘Indian on Move,’ the defence might of the country is displayed. Cricket sensation Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Tennis star Sania Mirza are among those who figure in the sporting section.

Thirty volunteers of the Nehru Yuva Kendra from Kerala have been deployed to assist visitors to the exhibition. The train has an outlet of Gandhi Smrithi and Darshan Samiti. From here, the exhibition on wheels will move to Kanyakumari for a three-day visit.

The exhibition, which started from Delhi on September 28 last, has covered 70 railway stations. The journey will conclude with the last leg from Meerut to Delhi on May 11.

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