MAMC documents heroic tales of freedom struggle

New Delhi: The premises of Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) is deeply rooted in history. The prestigious college earlier housed the “Old Central Jail”.

The iconic “Phansi Ghar” of Old Central Jail echoes the sacrifice of the 14 freedom fighters who were hanged by the British government to restrain the independence movement.

Shaheed Smarak, a black granite pillar in one corner of the college building dedicated to unsung heroes of the freedom movement is all that serves as a reminder of those who sacrificed their lives for the cause.

The monument is maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). It lists the names of the 14 freedom fighters who were hanged here between 1915 and 1945.

Ironically, this monument provides only token tribute to the freedom fighters who were executed in the Hardinge Bombing case.

The memorial provides almost no other information, besides the names and date of execution.

On September 23, 1912, freedom fighters attempted to assassinate the then Viceroy of India, Lord Hardinge. As he was being welcomed in the city, they hurled a bomb at him near Dhulya Katra in Chandni Chowk. Somehow, Lord Hardinge escaped unhurt in the incident even though it left many people dead and injured. Consequently, the British authorities launched a massive manhunt for Amir Chand, Avadh Bihari, Bal Mukund, and Basant Kumar Biswas. They were eventually arrested and hanged.

A teacher by profession and a freedom fighter, Bal Mukund was only 32 years old. He was closely involved in the freedom movement. He was a tutor to the sons of the Maharaja of Jodhpur when he was arrested in 1914 in connection to the Hardinge case. Later, he was hanged at Ambala Central Jail in 1915.

Another freedom fighter, Havildar Jasleshwar Singh, who was a member of the Indian National Army (INA), was also hanged here.

He was hanged along with some of his colleagues for being “enemies of the state.”

It was the founding fathers of MAMC who engraved the untold misery and hardships of the freedom martyrs where these patriots were hanged.

They decided that the premise of the old jail should be used to provide the best possible healthcare to the citizens. In so doing, the dismal walls of the jail were demolished to be replaced by corridors illuminated by soft rays of light. They hoped to produce world-class doctors for the nation, who would set standards of healthcare and medical education and be pioneers in medical research in India.

Maulana Azad Medical College is truly fulfilling its mandate set by the great founding fathers.