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Seth Govinddas on his release from jail |
As Political Prisoner in Jubbulpore Jail
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Seth Govinddas on his release from jail |
Some
say that the transfer to Damoh jail was arranged by Seth Jeevan Das ji who had
good rapport with the British government and its officials. There were no other
political prisoners and Govinddas ji could dedicate most of his time towards
writing and reading.
During
his eight months stay at Damoh jail, he completed three plays and one act play.
These were ‘Prakash’ (social), ‘Kartavya’ (mythological), ‘Navras’
(philosophical) and ‘Spardha’(one act play).
Vamanrao Lakhe and Seth Shivdas Daga were the first companions of Govind Das ji to arrive from Raipur at Damoh jail. Later Barrister Abhyankar, who was associated with Govind Das ji from 1923 to 26 for the ‘Kendriya Dhara Sabhas’, was also transferred to Damoh jail. Pt. Motilal Nehru passed away, while Govinddasji was in jail. Though for a country struggling for independence it was an irreparable loss, it was a personal loss for Govind Das ji. Motilal used to describe Govind Das ji as his second son and even mentioned it in a public meeting in Jabalpur.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact & Gonvinddas’ release
On
the day of Gandhiji’s arrest, countrywide strike was observed. Such strike was
observed in Jabalpur also. With to view to extend their best wishes to Gandhiji
on his arrest, a decision was taken to organise public meeting at 8 pm, at Tilak
bhumi. Despite the harsh weather condition, thousands of supporters turned up.
But
15-20 minutes prior to the commencement of the meeting, a large Police
contingent reached the spot with an array of horse-riders. Generally Govind Das
ji used to be on time to reach the spot but this time, he along with Pt. Dwarika
Prasad Mishra reached the meeting spot a little early. The City Kotwal along
with many Inspectors were present on the occasion.
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The
historical public meeting |
Govind
Das ji, Mishra ji and Lakshmi Singh Chauhan who was the President of City
Congress Committee decided to inquire about the heavy Police force presence.
Since Mishra ji was Chairman of Jabalpur Municipality he often used to meet City
Kotwal. He went and inquired from City Kotwal about their presence and was
informed that the City Kotwal has come with government orders to arrest the
leaders as soon as the proceedings of the meeting commence and declare the whole
programme as illegal. They were instructed to dissolve the meeting and carry out
lathi charge.
A
bizarre suggestion to carry out the proceedings of the meeting without any
verbal interaction was floated and agreed upon. After taking his seat on the
dias, Lakshmi Singh Chauhan ordered for the Jhanda
gayan. This was followed by his order to carry out the proceedings of the
meeting without any verbal interaction. Leaders carried out the proceeding of
the meeting in this manner for 3 nights and 4 days.
Even
the public co-operated with the leaders and was present in large numbers despite
the harsh winter weather. Seeing the enthusiasm of the people fading on the
fourth day the leaders decided to delivery a speech at 5 pm.
It
was Govind Das ji who stood up to speak first. Addressing the masses, he said
that I decided to go to jail during the 1930 Satyagraha. But this time I pledge
to sacrifice my life. Whether I’m there or not, agitation should continue. My
farmers should not pay taxes to my father. In addition to this, he also declared
to give up claims on the patriarchal property. After returning from jail he
would not live at Gokuldas Palace.
While
Govind Das ji was delivering his speech, City Magistrate declared the meeting as
illegal and ordered arrest of the leaders. Within five minutes, lathi charge was
order to disperse the public. Thus, Govinddasji along with Pt. Dwarika Prasad
Mishra, Thakur Lakshmi Singh Chauhan & Baba Hiralal were arrested.
Govind Das ji’s arrest along with others
Writings of Govind Das ji in Nagpur Jail
