Mahatma Gandhi addressed Partition refugees in Kurukshetra on radio this day in 1947

It was on this day in 1947 that Mahatma Gandhi made his one and only trip to the offices of Akashvani, India's national broadcaster in New Delhi, to deliver a key address.

His audience was a group of Partition refugees taking temporary shelter in Haryana's Kurukshetra.

To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's sole address at All India Radio, the country has been marking November 12 as the Public Service Broadcasting Day since 2001.

During his visit to Akashvani studios, Mahatma Gandhi had struck an emotional chord with the Partition refugees living in Haryana.

There were around 3 lakh settlers in Kurukshetra's huge tented refugee camp at the time. This camp was finally disbanded in April 1950.

The Tribune on Wednesday accessed the audio archive of Mahatma Gandhi's speech to refugees in Kurukshetra on November 12, 1947 and learnt that the Father of the Nation opened his speech with the words, "My sad brothers and sisters..."

Gandhi then revealed to his audience that he wanted to be with them in person to share their grief but had to stay back for an urgent Congress Working Committee meeting.

"So I was advised to speak to you on radio," he said in his first and last live broadcast.

Gandhi's speech for the Kurukshetra refugees also highlights his world view, how he had made service of the needy his life’s mission and how he saw service of the motherland as service to the world.

"I do not know if anyone else except you are listening to me today. This is my second experience with the radio. The first was when I attended the Round Table Conference in London. I was a stranger there but had to say something on the radio," Gandhi says in his address.

He adds that the moment he heard 2.5 lakh refugees had taken shelter in Kurukshetra and more were pouring in, he felt a deep sense of hurt and had an urge to meet them.

"I had to come yesterday but could not because of a CWC meeting here. So I was advised to use the radio to talk to you. I have always served Hindustan and through Hindustan the world. That has been my only mission. I am still trying to come to you," he said that day 77 years ago.