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Reviving the legacy of the Ghadar Movement: A centennial tribute
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Here is a front-page scan of the Hindustan Ghadar Urdu edition (غدر), Vol. 1 No. 22 (March 28, 1914), showing the Urdu masthead at the top and densely packed Urdu text below. It offers a clear example of how the paper looked in Nastaliq script. /
One of the earliest and most radical movements for Indian independence was the Ghadar Party, founded in 1913 in San Francisco by Indian immigrants—primarily Punjabis, including Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs—united in their determination to overthrow British rule. The party's revolutionary newspaper, Hindustan Ghadar, published in Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, carried bold messages calling for armed rebellion. Its Urdu edition, titled simply Ghadar (غدر), bore slogans such as "Enemy of British Rule" and reached both Indian soldiers and diaspora communities.
Prominent figures such as Kartar Singh Sarabha, Lala Har Dayal, Maulana Barkatullah, Rashbehari Bose, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Syed Haider Raza, and Syed Rahmat Ali played pivotal roles in spreading the party's message worldwide. In 1915, dozens of Ghadarites returned to India to incite rebellion within the British Indian Army. Many were captured, imprisoned, or executed—largely lost to history—but their sacrifices laid the foundation for future resistance movements.
To mark the centenary of this historic movement, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) held commemorative events across the United States in 2012–2013. The Washington DC Metro chapter, under the leadership of Dr. Zafar Iqbal (then President of GOPIO-Washington) and Dr. Renuka Misra (National Coordinator), played a key role in launching the initiative.
The Ghadar Centennial Conference was inaugurated by Dr. K. R. Narayanan, former President of India. Featured speakers included Ambassador Nirupama Rao (then Indian Ambassador to the U.S.), Dr. Ashook Ramasaran, Professor Basdeo Mangru, Dr. Joy Cherian, Sandip Mallick, Professor Harbans Lal, Dr. Inder Singh, and GAS Yazdani. Several community leaders, descendants of Ghadarites, and local civic officials also addressed the audience.
Key events included:
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October 20, 2012 – A formal launch seminar at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
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November 3, 2012 – A commemoration at the Embassy of India, hosted by Ambassador Nirupama Rao with GOPIO leaders.
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July 27, 2013 – A major community event featuring presentations on Ghadar history, distribution of the commemorative book Gadar Heroics, and screenings of the GOPIO documentary.
Drs. Renuka Misra and Zafar Iqbal were instrumental in coordinating these programs, bringing together GOPIO chapters across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and engaging Indian-American leaders, historians, and descendants of Ghadar heroes. Their leadership not only honored the revolutionary legacy of the Ghadar Party but also highlighted the vital role of Indian communities and the diaspora in the independence movement.
Beyond the centennial, Dr. Iqbal has continued his commitment to cultural engagement through initiatives such as the annual Yaum-e-Azadi Mushaira–Kavi Sammelan, co-organized with the Aligarh Alumni Association of Washington, D.C., and the Washington Metro GOPIO. These events celebrate Hindi and Urdu poetry while promoting communal harmony and shared heritage.
India's struggle for freedom was a collective endeavor of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and others across continents. The Ghadar Party, with its inclusive vision, ignited revolutionary consciousness among the Indian diaspora in 1913. A century later, GOPIO-Washington, led by Dr. Zafar Iqbal and Dr. Renuka Misra, revived this legacy through thoughtful and inclusive commemorations, ensuring that the sacrifices of early revolutionaries are remembered and continue to inspire future generations.
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