Aug 14, 2024
By: Prerna Tyagi
Credit: BCCL
The Indian Freedom Struggle was a long and arduous journey filled with sacrifices and bravery. Numerous unsung heroes played pivotal roles in securing India's independence, each contributing uniquely to the cause. Let’s get to know some of these heroes who fought valiantly for our nation's freedom.
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As a kid, Nandini Satpathy was mercilessly beaten up by British Police for pulling down the Union Jack and for pasting handwritten anti-British Raj posters on the walls of Cuttack. Later, she became the first woman chief minister of Odisha for two terms:1972-1973 and 1973-1976.
Credit: BCCL
Batukeshwar Dutta was a revolutionary associated with Bhagat Singh and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He is best known for throwing a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest against oppressive laws. Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, Dutta continued to inspire many through his writings and revolutionary spirit.
Credit: wikipedia
Jhalkari Bai was a fearless dalit warrior and a close confidante of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. Disguised as the queen, she led the Jhansi army in battle against the British, allowing the real queen to escape. Her bravery and strategic acumen played a crucial role in the 1857 revolt.
Credit: TOI
Sachindra Nath Sanyal was a key architect of the revolutionary movement in India. As a co-founder of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), he inspired young revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad. Despite multiple imprisonments, Sanyal remained committed to the cause until his last breath.
Credit: wikipedia
Potti Sriramulu was a devoted Gandhian who was instrumental to the Quit India movement, and was jailed the same. He also insisted that all the temples in Madras province be opened to the Dalit community. Later, his fast-unto-death led to the creation of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Credit: wikipedia
Gulab Kaur was a fearless freedom fighter associated with the Ghadar Party, an organisation founded by Indian immigrants with the aim of liberating the Indian Subcontinent from British Rule. Originally from Punjab, she would actively pose as a journalist with a press pass in hand, and distribute arms to the Ghadar Party members.
Credit: wikipedia
Major Durga Malla was one of the first officers of the Indian National Army (INA) to be martyred. Born in a Gorkha family, he was instrumental in recruiting Gorkha soldiers for the INA and fought bravely under Subhas Chandra Bose's leadership. His sacrifice is honoured annually by the Gorkha community.
Credit: Sansad TV
Matangini Hazra, affectionately known as "Gandhi Buri," (the old Gandhian woman) was a prominent freedom fighter from Bengal. She was actively involved in the non-cooperation movement, and was arrested for her role in the Salt Satyagraha movement.
Credit: wikipedia