Movements for nation’s good must not stop: 99-year-old freedom fighter to Gen Z

In 1942, at the tender age of 15, YC Revanna was part of a group of young students who skipped school to join the Quit India movement. Inspired by leaders like Devaraj Urs, S Nijalingappa, and MN Jois, Revanna believed in the significance of freedom and the potential to rule themselves. Now 99 years old and one of Mysuru’s last two surviving registered freedom fighters, Revanna still holds firm to his belief that the youth must continue organizing and agitating for a more just society.

During his first arrest, Revanna and his friends were abandoned in the forest of Kakana Kote, now part of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. This forced detention lasted for several days until they were finally rescued. Revanna's second arrest was met with a different outcome, as the police took him directly to jail. However, this did not deter him from continuing his fight for Indian independence.

After his schooling was interrupted by his participation in the independence movement, Revanna completed Class 11 and joined the Indian freedom struggle inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. Now 99, Revanna hopes to hoist the national flag at Mysuru’s Freedom Fighters' Park on Independence Day, reflecting on the long journey towards achieving Ramarajya.