Hemu Kalani

It marked the beginning of new epoch in Indian history. On this day the Indian National Congress held a historical session at Bombay. Congress and adopted the 'Quit-India' resolution demanding the immediate formation of a National Government and the end of the British rule. With this slogan the people burst out in acts of violence. Repression & coercion descended on India like an avalanche. It became a mass-movement.

In Sindh Province public refused allegiance (became agitated). They founded Swaraj Party in Sukkur city. After that, Hemu Kalani and millions of young students became active and imparted fresh dynamism to national movement.

One day emissary of Swaraj Party delivered an important but unpleasant message that to crush freedom strugglers, a special train in which British army laiden with arms and ammunitions would be going from Rohiri city of Sindh to Quetta of Baluchistan province. This train had to pass from Sukkur.

After this news, all members were stunned. Lokmanya Tilak High School's student Hemu Kalani's blood boiled. He said, "We would not allow these monsters to go forward even if we have to pay high price for it. "

One colleague said, "Listen Hemu, can we unarmed small students fight with armed enemies?"

Hemu said, "Friends, have faith, brave people who are ready to sacrifice their lives for nation, can do everything. We won't allow our enemies to pass Sukkur city even if we have to sacrifice our lives."

Finally it was decided that the train should be derailed so that British army could go to hell. Hemu took this responsibility. He chose two colleagues for this work. On 23rd October, 1942, these young soldiers were ready to perform the terrible task. Hemu Kalani and his two colleagues stopped in a deserted area near the railway track, a little distance away from Sukkur station. Hemu saw in all directions. No one was visible in darkness.

These three brave students bowed down and with great alarm started removing fish plates of railway line. Unfortunately some of the police officers on duty saw them. They had some suspicion. They attacked them. Two of his colleagues ran away. Only Hemu remained steady there and standing like Himalaya. He was caught red-handed. In Jail Hemu was lashed. He was made to sleep on ice-slabs but he did not utter a single world. All police officers were surprised to see bravery of 19 years old student. He never apologised for his deed and never disclosed the names of his colleagues. His utter desire was to see the motherland free from the grips of foreign exploiters, for which he had dedicated himself.

British officers charged a case of 'Desh-Droh' against Hemu in Sukkur's Court. Hemu answered bravely like Bhagat Singh to Judge. Judge ordered the whole-life imprisonment for Hemu Kalani. Sukkur's court sent the copy of the order to Hyderabad (Sindh) Office, whose chief was Colonel Richardson. He was against revolutionary movement. How he could tolerate a boy of 19 years challenging the British empire ! He got wild and turned the life imprisonment of Hemu Kalani to death sentence.

All countrymen were surprised to hear this order. Many leaders tried their best for release of Hemu. But Colonel Richardson was adamant in this decision.

On 21st January, 1943 morning brave Hemu Kalani was brought to Sukkur Central Jail. He roared like a lion 'Inqlab Zindabad', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. After that he was hanged till he died.