A special poster exhibition titled “Sri Aurobindo and Indian Freedom Movement” was inaugurated at the Pondicherry University to mark the 73rd Independence Day.
The exhibition was conceived, designed and presented by Sri Aurobindo Foundation for Indian Culture (SAFIC), Sri Aurobindo Society.
Gurmeet Singh, vice-chancellor, Pondicherry University, opened the show after hoisting the national flag.
Members of SAFIC team, headed by its director, Sampadananda Mishra, scholars and faculty members from various departments of the university, administrators, and students attended the event.
A group of schoolchildren visiting from the US, currently studying about Indian knowledge systems and cultural heritage at SAFIC also visited the exhibition.
The exhibition, which is on till August 25, highlights the momentous role Sri Aurobindo played in the early years of the Indian freedom movement.
In her introductory remarks, Beloo Mehra, Senior Associate at SAFIC, informed the gathering that a specific time period (1893 to 1910) has been selected to weave together a narrative to highlight the most important ways in which Sri Aurobindo participated in some of the significant political and revolutionary events. The year 1893 was chosen as it was the period when Sri Aurobindo returned to India after spending 14 years as a student in England.
The period of 1893-1906 or the Baroda years, highlights the key revolutionary work of Sri Aurobindo – primarily done through the might of his pen as a writer whose words could stir up deep emotions of patriotic fervour and zeal among his contemporaries. As Mr. Mehra pointed out, Sri Aurobindo’s political writings continue to stir the soul of all Indians who love their motherland. Much of his political activity also happened behind the scenes, which included his being the force in bringing together different revolutionaries working toward India’s freedom.
The exhibition also provides a few interesting details on some of the other nationalistic leaders of the time, particularly those with whom Sri Aurobindo worked closely. The years from 1906 to 1910 include the time Sri Aurobindo spent in Bengal, where he actively participated in political activities, including speaking at several public events and rallies.
The exhibition also highlights his arrest in 1908 in regard to the famous Alipore bombing case, and his eventual acquittal exactly a year later.
The primary narrative of the exhibition ends in the year 1910, when Sri Aurobindo left for erstwhile Pondicherry.
The 40-odd posters, which include relevant quotes and passages from various sources including Sri Aurobindo’s political and autobiographical writings, provide visitors a very clear picture of the immense contribution Sri Aurobindo made toward India’s freedom struggle.
