Very rarely, we find a bollywood historical biopic with any direct references to the Amateur Radio. Sara Ali Khan starer ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’, directed by Kannan Iyer, highlighted the daring broadcasts made by Usha Mehta for the clandestine Congress Radio. As the Indian freedom movement gained momentum, the British authorities tightened their grip on communication channels, censoring and controlling the flow of information to suppress dissent. In response, a group of brave individuals sought alternative means to disseminate messages of resistance and unity.
Amateur radio, with its ability to transmit signals over long distances without relying on traditional infrastructure, emerged as a lifeline for those seeking to circumvent censorship. Nariman Printer and Bob Tanna were among the early enthusiasts of amateur radio in Mumbai, possessing the technical skills and passion for experimentation necessary to operate the Indian Congress Radio.
Despite facing constant surveillance and the ever-present threat of discovery, these two amateurs was the tech brains behind the Congress Radio. Enabling Usha Mehta and other broadcasters to go on air with regular news updates, speeches by freedom fighters, and calls to action to listeners across the nation.
If you have watched the movie, I am sure you will be understand – How Bollywood always makes a certain individual a hero above other and make everything a one man show. No doubt, Usha Mehta as a young girl in 1942 had to go through a lot of huddles to make the Congress Radio a successful and reach every corner of India. However, it was a team effort and that where Bollywood fails to give the required credits to these two patriot amateur operators.
Today, as we reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for India’s independence, let us remember the unsung heroes like Nariman Printer and Bob Tanna, whose courage and determination paved the way for a brighter future. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the power of individuals to effect change, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congress_Radio
https://www.qsl.net/vu2msy/clandestine.htm
https://archive.ph/20120911203446/http://www.tannas.org/bob/CQ_CQ_CQ.html
