Sonia Gandhi says 1857 conflict was the first struggle for independence(Lead: Sonia)

United Progressive Alliance Chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said the 1857 revolt was the first struggle for freedom against British colonial rule.

Rae Bareli, July 30 : United Progressive Alliance Chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said the 1857 revolt was the first struggle for freedom against British colonial rule.

"Though two pro-British historians have termed the 1857 struggle a sepoy mutiny, but this is a limited word for such a big protest, which finally led to the independence of the country," she said while addressing a function organised in the honour of freedom fighter Beni Madho here.

Expressing her regard for Rana Beni Madhav, she said, "I also bow to all freedom fighters who fought for the freedom of the country. They have to face so many adversities, yet they fought the War of Independence."

Beni Madho was an expert guerrilla fighter who had assisted Hazrat Mahal in her fight against the British forces.

"The message of this war was carried ahead by Mahatma Gandhi and the congress party, which spearheaded the war of Independence, and this became so strong that we got independent. And today we stand as the largest democracy of this world," Sonia said.

Gandhi further said that the doctrine of non-violence promoted by Mahatma Gandhi has been acknowledged worldwide, and this is the reason why the United Nations General Assembly has resolved to observe his birthday on October 2 as "International Day of Peace".

After paying tributes to the country's freedom fighters, Sonia attended a meeting of the Central Monitoring Committee at the Bachat Bhavan..

Later in the day, after a felicitation ceremony, she said, "Rajivji always dreamt of a developed India and that can't be achieved without the support of the women folk of our country."

"It's very important for the women to come ahead in the society for the even development of the nation," she added.

Gandhi also distributed bi-cycles to some handicapped people under the aegis of the Social Welfare Department. She also distributed cheques to needed ladies.

ANI