Name: Tapesh Chintada

Structured Speech

Title: My thoughts about the revolt of 1857

Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

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Have you ever seen someone get so tired of being treated unfairly that they finally say, “Enough is enough!”? That’s exactly what happened in India a long time ago, and it led to something big called the Revolt of 1857—India’s first major fight for freedom. Let me tell you the story in simple words. In the 1800s, India was ruled not by kings or queens—but by a business! It was called the East India Company, a company from Britain. They were more interested in making money than in helping people. The British took over Indian kingdoms, made unfair laws, and forced farmers to grow crops like cotton instead of food. People were unhappy. Even Indian soldiers, called sepoys, were treated unfairly. They were paid less, shown less respect, and had almost no say in anything. r The final straw was something small but important: a new kind of bullet. To use it, soldiers had to bite open a cartridge. But rumours spread that the cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat, which was deeply offensive to both Hindus and Muslims. Indian soldiers refused to use them. When they were punished, people across India stood up with them. It wasn’t just about bullets anymore—it was about respect, freedom, and justice. Soon, the anger spread. Ordinary people, farmers, kings, and soldiers began fighting back. The revolt began in Meerut in 1857 and quickly spread to many cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow. People attacked British buildings, freed prisoners, and tried to take back control of their land. At first, the Indians had some success. But the British had more weapons and soldiers. After about a year, the revolt was defeated. Even though the revolt failed, it changed everything. The East India Company was shut down, and the British government took direct control of India. The Indian army was reorganized to prevent another revolt. Sadly, racism and control increased, and Indians lost even more power in their land. But something powerful had begun—the idea that India must be free. The revolt planted the seeds of nationalism and courage that would grow stronger over time. The Revolt of 1857 was not just a rebellion—it was the first thunderous cry of a nation yearning to break its chains. It proved that Indians would no longer endure injustice in silence. Though it did not achieve immediate success, it lit the flame of resistance that burned brighter with every generation. As Subhas Chandra Bose once declared: “Freedom is not given, it is taken.” The heroes of 1857 may not have won freedom then, but they lit the torch that others carried forward—until it finally illuminated an independent India in 1947. Their courage was not the end but the beginning Let us always remember the brave hearts of 1857 who rose against injustice and lit the first spark of India’s freedom. On this day, we salute their courage and honour their sacrifice with pride and respect. Thank you for this opportunity, and over to the Emcee to carry this meeting forward!