Filmmaker and producer Anubhav Sinha, known for powerful films like ‘Mulk’, ‘Thappad’, and ‘Bheed’, recently shared a moment that brought him closer than ever to history. The director took to Instagram to share a unique experience that connected him to Mahatma Gandhi in a way few ever can.
Anubhav posted a picture from his visit to All India Radio, showing the very microphone that Gandhi used during his only live address to the nation on November 12, 1947.
In his caption, he reflected on the significance of the moment: “November 12, 1947, he visited All India Radio the only time to address the nation. He wasn’t celebrating, he was on his way to Punjab. He was advised to postpone the trip for security reasons. And, he would never reach there. This is the microphone he spoke on. That is the closest I have been to his physical presence.”
The historic broadcast came at a deeply emotional time. Gandhi was addressing the refugees displaced during the Partition of India. Though he could not personally visit the Kurukshetra refugee camp because of a Congress Working Committee meeting, Gandhi used the radio to reach out to them.
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Speaking on Diwali, he acknowledged the irony of celebrating the festival of lights amid the darkness of displacement and communal strife. Gandhi’s words aimed to comfort and inspire, urging people to endure hardship with courage and to find joy in serving others.
This speech is remembered today as a landmark in public service broadcasting and is commemorated annually in India as Public Service Broadcasting Day.
For Anubhav, being in the presence of this microphone was a personal connection to one of India’s greatest leaders.
This isn’t the first time Anubhav has shared glimpses of his travels and reflections online. Earlier, he posted a striking picture from Paris, France, with the Eiffel Tower in the background. The photo, seemingly taken near the Pont Alexandre III or Place de la Concorde, featured ornate lamp posts and classic Paris street signs. Alongside the photo, he spoke about the city’s rich culture, its history, and its artistic heritage.