The freedom we have been bestowed is a corollary of the blood and sweat of the brave hearts who had the spark to outshine the mastery of British ascendency.
Let’s learn the untold story of some gallant fighters who gave us Free India and uprooted the enslavement.
Durgavati Devi
In an era where women were believed to be delicate dolls adorned with jewels, Durgawati Devi, also known as Durga Bhabhi, crafted history with her contributions to the National Freedom Struggle against the British East India Company. ‘The Agni of India’ married at the age of 11, became a member of Naujawan Bharat Sabha, and played an important role in the escape of Bhagat Singh after Saunders’ killing in 1928. She attempted to slay Lord Hailey (an atrocious Britisher) as a revenge for Bhagat Singh’s hanging but failed, consequently landing in prison. The brave lady was much beyond her time, bearing the flag of women’s empowerment.
Matingini Hazra
At the age of 62, the dauntless lady Matingini Hazra set an example of a zealous nationalist. In 1932, when the Civil disobedience movement was relaumched, Poor pesant Matingini became instrumental in the freedom struggle and started actively participating in movements aiming to dethrown the Britishers. In 1942, when the Congress workers decided to besiege the police stations and government offices, Hazra took the initiative to lead the movement. The 73-year-old lady paved the way along with six thousand supporters to capture Tamluk Police Station. The Crown police ordered the march to dissolve when it got close to the town, invoking Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code. A bullet struck Courageous Matangini as she moved forward and begged the cops not to shoot at the gathering. Despite being shot, she moved forward, changing Vande Matram. Drenched in blood, taking her last breath, the warrior held the tricolour high.
Bhikaji Rustom Cama
It was August 21, 1907. Thousands of people were gathered to attend the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany. The fearless Bhikaji Rustom Cama took to the attention of those thousand representatives and unfurled the Indian Tricolour on the foreign ground, leaving the crowd awestruck.
She said…
“Behold, the flag of independent India is born! It has been made sacred by the blood of young Indians who sacrificed their lives in its honour. In the name of this flag, I appeal to lovers of freedom all over the world to support this struggle. “
The entire crowd was amazed by the unforeseen incident, and stood to salute the Indian flag.
Despite being aware of the repercussions of defying the British, the intrepid heroes, or shall I say heroines, exhibited an imbued patriotism.