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Udupi: For Veteran Freedom Fighter Babu Master it is Now a Struggle for Survival

  •   Sun, Aug 15 2010 08:23:33 AM

Udupi: For Veteran Freedom Fighter Babu Master it is Now a Struggle for Survival
 
Pics: Inchara Digitals
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
 
Udupi, Aug 15: Ninety-four-year-old K Babu Master, a staunch Gandhian, patriot and veteran freedom fighter once known for his simplicity is now struggling for his existence. 
 
Babu Master still pursues the Gandhian way of life and the philosophy of the Congress party despite his age.  He was actively involved in the freedom struggle in its peak.  He is perhaps the lone surviving veteran Gandhian and freedom fighter in the district.

Babu Master was deprived of freedom fighters’ pension as he was actively involved in the freedom struggle but not imprisoned. The union government has different pension packages for those involved in the freedom struggle and for those who are imprisoned. 

He was earlier awarded the freedom fighters’ pension but that also stopped abruptly.  However, now Babu Master is solely dependent on his teacher’s pension.  “There are a few freedom fighters who had availed freedom fighters’ pension besides getting housing plots because of sheer political influence”, says Babu Master.

 Babu Master was born in 1915 to the late Dabulu Mukhari and Dentu Yane Akkamma, who resided at Mallar, near Kaup.  He was joined the freedom struggle on June 1, 1924.  Since then, he served as a Congress party activist and Gandhian in spreading the movement of the freedom struggle in undivided Dakshina Kannada (DK) district and Chikmagalur till 1934.
 
He joined Gandhiji’s campaign boycotting western made products and promoting Indian products along with poet Panje Mangesh Rao.  He delivered Gandhi’s weaving wheel all across the district to promote Khadi industries.  Babu Master campaigned to spread Gandhian philosophy across the district along with Govind Rao in 1928 and also participated in the Salt Satyagraha in Sultan Battery, Mangalore, in 1929.
 
Although he was engrossed in the freedom struggle, acute poverty in the family led him to renounce it.  He was forced to opt for a teaching career in order to support his family since he was the eldest.  Babu Master served as a teacher from 1934 till retirement by serving in the schools in Kaup, Pangala, Innanje, Puttur, Padupanambur, etc.
 
Petrol bunk approved:
 
State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) identified him as the recipient of a dealership of their petrol bunk from two who qualified in Udupi district.  However, it was scrapped by IOC citing the reason that the bank cannot advance loan to Babu Master who was by then above 70 years of age. 

Babu Master has been a staunch Congressman.  He has ready information on the Congress since its Pune Conference in 1885 to 1985, which he maintains with the purpose of educating the new generation of Indians.  However, he regrets that the veteran local leaders of the Congress summarily shelved significant information during the centenary celebrations of Congress held in1985.
  

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Comment on this article

  • Judith L, Mumbai

    Wed, Aug 18 2010

    Freedom fighters like Babu Master, who have fought for our Country's freedom, who are honest are languishing whereas the corrupt greedy politicians are prospering. At one point of time, I was against Gandhian principles but now when I see the condition of Pakistan,Afghanistan, Iraq, I feel it is good we adopted Gandhian prinincples.

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  • Judith L, Mumbai

    Wed, Aug 18 2010

    Freedom fighters like Babu Master, who have fought for our Country's freedom, who are honest are languishing whereas the corrupt greedy politicians are prospering. At one point of time, I was against Gandhian principles but now when I see the condition of Pakistan,Afghanistan, Iraq, I feel it is good we adopted Gandhian prinincples.

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  • Alban D Souza, Udyavara Doha Qatar

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    What an excample living example of non-violence and peace, simplicity. At this stage still a patriot, Ghandian, spiritual. This is an example for youngsters and the modern society. Non-violence is the need of hour in modern day world, and this is an good example. Live 100 years great man.

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  • Giridara Nayak, Mithabail/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Hai ballari congressman Rajgopalji.please do some needfull help from so called good person like deshpande,siddu,dkshiv,bangarappa etc.please call them and get help from them do not waste time ok.not good to listen and see always reddy,reddy,reddy......

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  • Lavina Picardo, katpady,kuwait

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    It is really heart rendering to see such a pitiable condition of a freedom fighter, thanks to daijiworld for coming up with such true stories which requires urgent notice of the authorities.

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  • E.J.D'SOUZA, MOODUBELLE/MUMBAI

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Being congressman,ex.Udupi M.P and present rajyasabha M.P Mr.Oscar has d an asset of 15 crores.He can helh Babu master in his personal capacity in his difficult days.

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  • Langoolacharya, Belman/USA

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Folks,

    I know Babu Master personally, from 1980-85.

    He is a Congressman of pre-independance era, perhaps not comfortable with new coloured khadi Congressmen like Vidhvans, who's high thinking and simple living is "talk only" and amass wealth in swiss banks, and tea estates in Assam, and raising flags with their wives and getting honorary doctorates...

    I know Babu Master worked for "Vidhvan" during his first election in 1980, please ask him if he has seen him after "Vidhvan" became a M.P???

    Jai Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

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  • ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJE/YANBU-KSA

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    BABU MASTER HATS OFF TO YOU.POLITICIANS ARE BUSY WITH THEIR OWN INTEREST AND EATING THE FRUITS OF INDEPENDENCE BY NEGLECTING/FORGETTING FREEDOM FIGHTERS WHO BROUGHT US INDEPENDENT.GOVT NEED TO ADRESS THE ISSUE OF BABU MASTER EVEN ON COMPASSIONATE GROUND IF NOT FREEDOM FIGHTER'S ANGLE.

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  • aboobaker uppala, uppala/Holy Makkah

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    DEAR BJP SUPPORTERS,INSTEAD OF PLAYING DIRTY POLITICS IN THIS SUBJECT,YOU PEOPLE CANT SEE THIS MATTER IN THE EYES OF HUMANITARION BASIS?WHY DO YOU BLAME THE MIRROR IF YOUR FACE IS UGLY?

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  • shahnawaz kukkikatte, dubai/udupi

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Poor Babu master was responsible for the freedom of India, but his services are not recognised and he is stil living a pooran's life in free India for which he fought. Now the fruit of his hard labour is being reaped by the present gooda politicians and ministers and other organisations. Present day politicians have forgotten Gandhian philosophy of simplicity and ahimsa and practice anti Gandhi ways. They are the one who promote hate and break the secular fabrics of once secular India.

    May God grant good health to our dear Babu Master.

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  • Samad, Udupi

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    This is only one examaple, there are many if you wana highlight.
    Yes, infront of our view he is poor, i can assure you in front of Allah/GOD he is the richest one. May creator bless him.

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  • Ilyas, Udupi / Riyadh

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    I thank Daijiworld for bringing to light about Veteran Freedom Fighter Babu Master from our own district on the Independence Day. It really pains and sad to know that our administration has deprived this veteran from Freedom Fighter Pension for years. It is not too late if our administration is serious about recognising his contribution.

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  • Satish Kunder, Mangalore/Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    I salute this freedom fighter who still upholds the congress ideals. Being a son of an old congressman, I have seen how they were committed to social service and used the political platform only to serve people and not power politics.

    Today politics is like a business and many politicians are there only to make money. Having said that, there are still good people around who uphold the ideals in politics.

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  • shadruddi Kuwait, salmiya

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    I WISH U A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ONE AND ALL....
    ""INDIA IS A RICH COUNTRY BUT POOR"
    DEAR COMMENTER'S.. FOR WHOM U R COMMENTING?.. THERE IS ONE SLOGAN FROM OUR AN-SISTER"NAI BAALA DONKE (THE DOG'S TAIL IS ALWAYS BEND)it means if we a pipe on the dog tail the tail will be straight for a while. But when we took the pipe from the tail,the tail is back to it position"It Means "THIS IS INDIAN POLITICS".....

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  • Manohar Veigas, UDUPI

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    I thank Daijiworld for bringing to light about Veteran Freedom Fighter Babu Master from our own district on the Independence Day. It really pains and sad to know that our administration has deprived this veteran from Freedom Fighter Pension for years. It is not too late if our administration is serious about recognising his contribution.

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  • Gurudath, M'lore/Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    This is the time for those who make money by unscrupulous means. See how Kalmadi thrives right under government's nose. I feel very sorry for people like him.

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  • Ismail, Moodbidri

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Thank you Daijiworld for publishing this informative article. I am sure that this article will bring some awareness. Only missing in this article is his address. Can you provide his address?

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  • shrinivas, India

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    These Poor Freedom fighters fight for Freedom, but the present congress leaders sitting in palaces, farm houses and enjoying and looting the nation. Moily, Siddu, DKChi, & Des pande whare are you ....? You cant see this poor man your Congress man?

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  • Ashok Bhat, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Thanks Daiji publishing this in TOP stories. All freedom fighters are Bharath Ratans and unfortunately they have neglected. We give importanece to flim stars,religious heads, politicians. People like this are to be honoured and particularly in this old age, we have to take care all their needs. At least reading this article Govt. will do something in this line. My pranam to Babu Master.

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  • OSWALD VAZ, THOTTAM/BAHRAIN

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Amazing ! Babu Master at the age
    of NINE freedom Fighter.

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  • John Tauro, Mangalore / Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    One who actively fought for the hard earned freedom of this world's largest democracy is today fighting for his own survival with nobody around. What a pity! I appeal to the Government, at least in the name of humanity, please ensure that he is granted his due benefits.

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  • Alwyn Lobo, Mangalore-U.S.A.

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    It is heart breaking news. The person who loved the country and, suffered in his young age and now living with tears in his old age. The leaders must see his picture (Hon’ble Babu Master’s photo) how our freedom fighters are suffering and very weak. I am requesting to forward this article with his picture to Mr. C.M. and Hon’ble P.M. too. Thanks.

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  • Raj Gopal, Bellari

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Happy independence day. But sad to here the news about our great freedom fighter. Look at the real heros of the nation ! their life is worse. Look at other side . Reddy brother's are looting the crors of natural resource of India. we have to fight again to stop this mafia. After 63 years what we achieved? British came to india to loot the natural resources of india. Now the same thing happning. Reddy bros looting the natureal resource.

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  • Francis, Managlore

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Happy Independence day to one and all.
    Yes, we are celebrating 63rd anniversary of independence and see the condition of the one who fought to achieve this fruit for us. Jai ho…..

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  • Ravi Sanil, dubai, Kallianpur, Udupi

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    What a shame.... the person who invloved in the freedom fight gets nothing for his sacrifies and contribution to the Nation but Rahul Gandhi gets everything for doing nothing...This is Indian politics... if you have money power who will get name, fame n everything by sitting in AC room... If you don't have the money power.. u will be sitting in the HUT forever irrespective of your contribution to the nation.

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  • Sanil Brs, Dubai, Kallianpur, Udupi

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Where is Congress leader... instead of running behind Reddy brothers do some justice/help to your own party workers. This is the true colour of the indian politics...I hope the ppl will not put the blame on BJP govt...

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  • Vasant Raj, Udupi/Abudhabi

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    This is very bad. Dear politicians just look at this great man. Make arrangements to keep him happy at his old age. Do some thing good immediately.

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  • Nithesh, Udupi/Doha, qatar

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    good to see a live freedom fighter...frm tulunadu..& wishing all my indian frnds a happy independence day.

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