As India marks the 78th Independence Day on August 15th, we remember its struggle for around 200 years for freedom against the British rule.
The Journey of Independence was long and painful, filled with bloodshed and loud cries from our soldiers and people. When we recall the independence moment, we instantly see reflections of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose and many more who fought to secure India’s independence, prominently.
However, there are many unsung and unheard tales which lie behind this glory of Independence. Countless freedom fighters who fought against the British colonial rule remain buried inside forever.
These lost stories deserve to be remembered and honored for generations. Their overshadowed struggles and sacrifices will never fade but will be preserved for ages.
Here, we look on some lost unsung heroes who played significant role in India’s fight for liberty:
Kanak Lata Barua: An ASIF leader killed during Quit India Movement, 1942
Kanaklata Barua was a young powerful and brave warrior, martyred during the Quit India movement in 1942. She was shot down and killed by the British Raj’s Imperial Police marching against the Britishers, bearing the National Flag. She was an independent activist and an ASIF leader who fought bravely till her last breath.
On September 20, 1942, Barua decided to hoist the national flag at the neighborhood police station, along with a group of unarmed peasants. However, after issuing the warning, the British imperial police opened fire on the parade, while they were still moving forward. Within a moment, Barua was shot dead, holding a national flag high, becoming a martyr for the Indian Freedom Struggle.
Matangini Hazra: Another incredible woman martyred in the Quit India Movement
Matangini Hazra, was an incredible woman and Independence activist, who fought and played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement. Known for her bravery and fearlessness, Hazra was the first Indian revolutionary martyred during the Quit India Movement against the British rule in India.
Quit India Movement or Bharat Chhodo Andolan was significant movement in the Indian freedom struggle launched by Mahatma Gandhi during the World War 2, an end of British rule in India.
Inspired by Gandhi ji’s beliefs, she earned the moniker and was called the Old Gandhian Woman. During the Quit India movement, she was arrested many times and faced a brutal treatment by the British, however her unwavering commitment to the India’s independence never ended.
On September 29, 1942, Hazra was shot by British police, during a protest march in front of the Tamluk Thana.
Gangadin Mehtar
Gangadin Mehtar, a Gangoo wrestler was a brave warrior. While serving under Nana Saheb Peshwa in Kanpur, he killed approximately 200 British Soldiers in the battle of 1857.
His fearless spirit to fight against the British, earned him the reputation of a fierce warrior and was even recognized by the Britishers as a threat to their rule in the region.
He was apprehended by British troops in 1859 and was killed in front of public. His last words were, “In the soil of India, our ancestors smelt of blood and sacrifice; one day it will be free.”
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