On the occasion of 50th Anniversary of India's independence, Global Hindu Electronic Networks (GHEN) has dedicated a major web site dedicated to the Freedom of India titled FreeIndia.Org

http://www.freeindia.org

This is a unique site containing material that appeals to all age groups (RSAC rated). In addition to the basic information on India, the site contains ever popular comic books "Amar Chitra Katha". Amar Chitra Katha are full length comic books dedicated to cultural heritage of India. They depict great personalities and historic events of India. This presentation is a result of special arrangement between India Book House Publishers (Mumbai, India) and GHEN. Currently four Amer Chitra Katha books are online and eventuallyall available Amar Chitra Katha will be added.

A section on "Freedom Art Exhibit" is a collection of custom art work depicting the major events in Independence movement. "Freedom Movement" is a presentation of India's freedom movement in a slide show format. FreeIndia pays rich tribute to those who fought for independence in the sections, "Biographies of Great Indians" and a pictorial exhibit "They Fought For Independence." A unique pictorial tribute is paid to Mother India (Bharat Mata) in "Bharat Bhakti Stotra (Prayers to Mother India)", and "Ekatmata Mantra (Prayer for Unity)."

"Maps of India" section depicts historic maps of India, where a reader can see how the nation has withstood the test of time. "Contribution of India" section describes what India has contributed to the world, in science, medicine, architecture, metallurgy, mathematics, astronomy, language, grammar etc. "History of India" section contains articles on Indian history. A special book written by Dr. David Frawley (American Vedic Institute) "Myth of Aryan Invasion of India" is presented in its entirety. B. G. Mahesh (Sheetal.Com) will be contributing "Historic Timeline" of India primarily based on the timeline published in Hinduism Today magazine.

"Songs of Freedom" section is dedicated to songs sung in praise of Mother India, India's national song "Vande Mataram" and national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana" and their evolutionary history are present as well.

Rambhao Mahalagi Prabodhini (reference service) and Tarun Bharat (a daily newspaper) will be contributing live news from India to Latest News section. The Latest News section on FreeIndia is one of the largest collections of news sources about India. It contains links to virtually all the known news sites related to India, along with a collection of search engines, stock quotation, links to periodicals etc. Hindu Vivek Kendra (Mumbai, India) will provide editorials, article clippings and summaries to this news site

The visitors will be able to send digital postcards using our "Freedom Card" section absolutely free, while those who would like to purchase books about India and its freedom movement can avail of our collaboration with Amazon.com, the largest online bookstore.

A "Live Chat" on Freedom movement and India is also made possible using our collaboration with EarthWeb.com.

FreeIndia site is part of Freedom Festival '97, an international program undertaken by the Hindu Students Council (HSC). Freedom Festival programs are carried out in major campuses all across North America. Global Freedom Prayer Meet, part of Freedom Festival are being held in several countries. HSC is also organizing Art & Essay competitions, regional conferences etc. on this occasion.

People of Indian descent have gone to many parts of the world and have made major contributions to their adopted countries. Indians as a people have a lot more to contribute to the world, as the world moves towards the 21st century.

The purpose of the FreeIndia website is to educate the readers about India's history, culture, and contributions to the world. It is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the great leaders and hundreds of millions of people had to undergo to attain this independence. But it is not merely celebration of India's independence, but it is the concept of Freedom, not merely political freedom but social, cultural, spiritual freedom - of thought and action that we celebrate.

Global Hindu Electronic Networks (GHEN) is a project of Hindu Students Council. In addition to FreeIndia.Org, GHEN has created several other web sites which are visited by several thousands readers each day. Among these sites are The Hindu Universe (http://www.hindunet.org), and Hindu Temples Reference Center (http://www.hindunet.org/temple_info/). For information about GHEN please send e-mail to webmaster@hindunet.org

HSC is a North American students movement, dedicated to promoting Hindu dharma, culture and heritage and can be reached by writing to HSC 46 #3 Irving St. Boston, MA 02114. HSC can also be found on the worldwide web at

www.hindunet.org/hsc/.