Ram Prasad Bismil Ki Aatmkatha

During the Congress session in Lucknow, I learned about a secret committee whose main objective was to participate in the revolutionary movement. Hearing about it, I soon became involved in its activities and, through a friend, became a member. Within a few days, I was appointed to the executive committee. The group faced a severe shortage of funds and needed weapons. Upon returning home, I thought of publishing a book to raise money for arms. To fund the publication, I told my mother I wanted to start a business that could be profitable and requested financial help. She gave me ?200. I had already written a book titled *How America Gained Independence*, and arrangements for its publication were underway. Later, I needed more money and borrowed another ?200 from my mother. After selling the book, I repaid her and still had ?200 left, with more copies yet to be sold. Around that time, we printed a pamphlet titled *Message to the Countrymen*, following the arrest of Pandit Gendalalji, Brahmachariji, and their group in Gwalior. This motivated students to pledge greater commitment to the cause. The pamphlets were distributed across several districts. Eventually, both the pamphlet and the book were confiscated by the United Provinces government. —Ram Prasad Bismil