Nagpur: Vijay Balan and Nikhil Benegal, two writers who grew up listening to war tales, took the audience down the memory lane narrating anecdotes from the pre-Independence era at the Vidarbha Literary Festival on Sunday. The session was moderated by Sushma Saxena.
Vijay Balan, author of ‘The Swaraj Spy’, said, It is based on the life events of my granduncle. A soldier, he refused to act against a peaceful protest after which the British dismissed him. He then became a spy working against colonial rule.
Benegal, who works with MNCs, talked about ‘Burma to Japan with Azad Hind: A War Memoir 1941-1945’, a book written by his father Ramesh Benegal, a Maha Vir Chakra awardee. My father used to tell very entertaining stories about his career in INA in Burma and Japan. After his retirement from the air force, he wrote about the war and his own transformation.
The Vidarbha Literary Festival witnessed a captivating session on Sunday as writers Vijay Balan and Nikhil Benegal shared tales from the pre-Independence era. The event, moderated by Sushma Saxena, was a nostalgic journey for the audience, exploring the courage and resilience of individuals during those turbulent times.
Vijay Balan, the author behind the critically acclaimed book ‘The Swaraj Spy,’ delved into the personal accounts of his granduncle, who played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence. Balan revealed that his granduncle, a soldier, took a stand during a peaceful protest, refusing to act against his fellow countrymen. Consequently, the British dismissed him from the army. Undeterred, he chose to become a spy and actively worked against the colonial rule. Balan’s book encapsulates the extraordinary life events of his granduncle, offering a unique perspective on the fight for freedom.
Nikhil Benegal, another esteemed writer, shed light on his father’s experiences through the book ‘Burma to Japan with Azad Hind: A War Memoir 1941-1945.’ Ramesh Benegal, a retired air force officer and honored with Maha Vir Chakra, vividly narrated his captivating journey as a member of the Indian National Army (INA) in Burma and Japan. After his retirement, Ramesh Benegal penned down his war experiences and his personal transformation. His tales serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought against tyranny.
The session at the festival provided the audience with a glimpse into the bygone era, brimming with stories of heroism, patriotism, and resilience. The literary gathering served as a platform to honor the unsung heroes who laid the foundation for an independent India.
By bringing these war stories to light, both authors have given a voice to the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom. As the legacy of the pre-Independence era lives on through their narratives, the Vidarbha Literary Festival continues to be a catalyst for preserving and cherishing the rich history of the nation.
The tales shared by Vijay Balan and Nikhil Benegal serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the pre-Independence era. Their books not only provide a glimpse into our storied past but also inspire future generations to appreciate the value of freedom and the remarkable courage it entails.
