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When Amar Kant compared his height with Pandit Nehru?s
It was perhaps August 1, 1942, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru led a procession from Chowk Ghantaghar to PD Park in Allahabad. I, an ordinary student of intermediate (Ewing Christian College), too joined the procession. Though I had seen Nehru several times earlier, it was for the first time that I saw him from such a close range.
It was perhaps August 1, 1942, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru led a procession from Chowk Ghantaghar to PD Park in Allahabad. I, an ordinary student of intermediate (Ewing Christian College), too joined the procession. Though I had seen Nehru several times earlier, it was for the first time that I saw him from such a close range.
I mustered courage and went closer to Nehru and even compared my height with his. He was slightly taller than I. Realising this, I felt much more confident. This experience was unique. I felt myself a fortunate person that I was in company of a great leader, albeit for some time.
Nehru ji was looking energetic and full of vigour. He was wearing white shirt, red half pant and Gandhi cap. After addressing a rally at PD Park, he had to go to Bombay to participate in the Congress convention to chalk out strategy for freedom of the country.
Renowned litterateur Amar Kant recalls his experience with great leaders of the freedom movement like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt Nehru, Jai Prakash Narain and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia. He had himself played an active role in the freedom movement.
Since he had a literary bent of mind, he devoted much of time in reading literature of Sharat Chand, Munshi Premchand, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Gandhiji and even some litterateurs of other countries. His novels, short stories, memoirs, autobiography and different other writings have left an indelible imprint in the world of Hindi literature. Not only this, he has inspired a number of Hindi literature lovers to hone their writing skills. His creations have been analysed by top critics of the Hindi literature.
Born and brought up in Ballia, Amar Kant has been residing in Allahabad for several decades. His real name is Shri Ram Verma. Since Shri Ram was a very common name, he chose to adopt Amar Kant as his pen name. He also worked in the 'Sainik' newspaper of Agra as a journalist for some time and also remained associated with Progressive Writers' Association (PWA).
About his activity in freedom struggle, he says: I joined the Congress Socialist Party in 1941 after doing High School. At that time political activists were properly groomed and classes were held for the purpose.
He becomes enthusiastic to narrate his experience with Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, a great socialist leader and ideologue of his time. "I had gone to Bhagalpur (Bihar) to attend the annual conference of the All India Kisan Sangh in 1942 as one of the delegates from Ballia. Dr Lohia and another prominent leader from Bombay Yusuf Mehre addressed that conference. The way Lohia delivered speech reflected his knowledge, ability and originality of his ideology. He was always cool while addressing any meeting but his every sentence gave a message and carried weight."
In 1946, Jai Prakash Narain was released from jail and addressed a public meeting on the grounds of Ballia Tehsil School. A large number of people attended the meeting and since JP was a very good orator, he left a tremendous impact on the audience. I remember JP and his wife Prabhawati had stayed at the residence of Mahanand Mishra. They were holding discussions in Bhojpuri.
Amar Kant also recalls his association with former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar. "He belonged to an ordinary family and was a sincere socialist worker, who believed in making sacrifices. When he became Prime Minister and I sent a congratulatory letter, he promptly thanked me."
Amar Kant, who believes in God but not in religion, caste and creed, also recalls the atmosphere of Allahabad University when he was a BA student. Kamlesh Mal was the president of the AU Students' Union and he was leading the freedom movement. HN Bahuguna and ND Tiwari were also active student leaders during that period.
