150 years

This day 150 years ago our country saw the first major uprising of us against the British. Termed by some as the Sepoy Mutiny and by others as the First War of Independence or the Great Revolt, what stood out in this uprising was the commendable Hindu-Muslim unity.

Though with roots in religious sentiments, this uprising quickly got the two religions closer in the fight against the common enemy. Lack of a political vision and able leadership are cited as the important reasons for the failure of the Revolt. However, this came as a rude shock to the British, who again let loose their oppressive forces on the Indian population.

Will there be another Revolt, with a firm base of religious unity, to attack the common enemy of hunger, illiteracy and intolerance?