Martyrs of Solapur

Mallappa Dhanshetti(1898-1931)

Mallappa Dhanshetti was born in 1899. His ability to turn the stick was commendable. Dhanshetti was instrumental in bringing the common people of Solapur to the forefront of the freedom struggle. He was the first to be honoured in the procession of sticks set out during the fair of Shri Siddharmeshwar, it was an inspiration to the Shraddhananda community, Ganeshotsav and processions of Ganpati immersion. Rathyatra taken out by Shubhrai Math on Mahaekadashi saw his active participation in carrying them out peacefully and smoothly.

Jagannath Shinde (1906-1931)

Jagannath Shinde was a person with an indomitable will for independence, preseverance, confidence,fearlessness and Zeal for accomplishment. He was born in 1906. He was mainly working in the Railway and Mill Workers Union. He was at the forefront of the labour movement. He worked hard to get more scholarships for the eductaion of poor Maratha children. He had also participated in the Satyashodhak Parishad held in Mumbai.

Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain (1910-1931)

Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain was born into a family of frame makers. Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi were his inspiration. He was committed to the five principles: Freedom, swadeshi, equality, socialism and Hindu-Muslim unity. He participate in rallies, marches and processions under the leadership of Dr. K.V. Antrolikars, his zeal for Hindu-Muslim unity was evident in his writings and speeches. Abdul Rasul Kurabn Hussain was an iconic symbol of how a patriotic Muslim should be.

Shrikisan Sarada (1893-1931)

Shrikisan Sarada was a proud public figure, a person who generously helped in religious activities. He was born in 1893. His grandfather Govindrao Sarada came to Solapur for trade and settled there. On May 4, 1930, the British government arrested Mahatma Gandhi from Surat and he was sent to Yerawada Jail in Pune. As soon as the news of Gandhiji’s arrest was reported in the newspapers on May 5, the people staged a strike, a procession and a public meeting to protest against the government. On May 7, 18,000 mill workers went on strike. The people of Solapur staged a huge protest procession.

It is a fact that India acquired freedom by virtue of the sacrifices of thousands of these revolutionaries.

Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Mallappa Dhanshetti, Shrikisan Sarada, Jagannath Shinde and Abdul Rasul Kurban Hussain.