Home News IndiaIndependence Day 2023: Tales Of Lesser-Known Revolutionaries During Freedom Struggle
Independence Day 2023: India celebrates the most popular Indian national festival, observed on 15th August every year. Get to know about the lesser-known facts and unsung heroes of the Indian freedom struggle. Independence Day 2023: Tales Of Lesser-Known Revolutionaries During Freedom Struggle.
“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom” – These were the famous words spoken by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, during his historic speech from the Red Fort on August 15, 1947. As we approach the 76th Independence Day on August 15, it is crucial to remember the sacrifice of the unsung heroes who played vital roles in India’s freedom movement. Independence Day is observed annually and holds immense significance. The day honors the sacrifices made by our brave freedom fighters who gave up everything for our nation. It marks the end of British rule and is celebrated as a national holiday. Let us now explore the stories of some lesser-known Indian freedom fighters as India celebrates 76 years of Independence.
Matangini Hazra
She was an Indian revolutionary who actively participated in the Indian independence movement as a follower of Gandhi’s principles. Hazra took part in the Civil Disobedience movement in 1932 and was imprisoned for violating the Salt Act. She also participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement. Despite being shot by the police during a procession, she continued chanting “Vande Mataram.”
Peer Ali Khan
Peer Ali Khan, a bookbinder by profession, was an Indian revolutionary who fought for Indian independence. He joined the freedom struggle in 1857 and was hanged in public view by William Tayler, the commissioner of Patna, along with 14 other rebels who participated in the mutiny.
Khudiram Bose
Khudiram Bose was one of the youngest revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. He was arrested for attempting to assassinate British judge Douglas Kingsford and was hanged at the age of 18 in Muzaffarpur jail in Bihar. Bose and his colleague Prafulla Chaki planned the assassination because they believed that the judge’s judgments were unfair and biased against Indian nationalists. Bose actively participated in protests against the British during the partition of Bengal in 1905.
Aruna Asaf Ali
Aruna Asaf Ali, also known as “The Grand Old Lady” of India’s freedom struggle, hoisted the Indian National Congress flag in Bombay’s Gowalia Tank Maidan in support of the Quit India Movement in 1942. She was a prominent political activist and publisher.
Bhikaiji Cama
Bhikaiji Cama played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. On August 21, 1907, she unfurled the first version of the flag of independent India. She was the first person to hoist the Indian flag in a foreign nation during an International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart.
Lakshmi Sahgal
Lakshmi Sahgal, also known as ‘Captain Lakshmi,’ was an officer of the Indian National Army and the Minister of Women’s Affairs in the Azad Hind government.
Kanaklata Barua
Kanaklata Barua was an Indian independence activist and a leader of the AISF. She was shot dead by the Indian Imperial Police of the British Raj while leading a procession with the National Flag during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Pandurang Mahadev Bapat
Pandurang Mahadev Bapat, popularly known as Senapati Bapat, was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. On August 15, 1947, he had the honor of hoisting the Indian national flag over the city of Poona for the first time. Due to his leadership during the Mulshi Satyagraha, he was given the title Senapati, which means commander.
History of Independence Day
For almost 200 years, India was ruled by the British. Life under British colonial rule was challenging and miserable for every Indian. Indians were treated as slaves with no freedom of expression. Indian rulers were mere puppets in the hands of British officers. Farmers suffered from starvation due to high land fees, while Indian fighters faced brutal torture in British camps. Freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and many others led numerous movements that eventually led to breaking the shackles of slavery after 90 years. From the Revolt of 1857 to the Sepoy Mutiny, various movements set the stage for the fight against the British.
This Independence Day, let us pledge to protect the peace, diversity, harmony, and unity of our nation because “Saare Jahan se Achcha Hindustan Hamara.” We must remember the selfless sacrifices and unparalleled contributions of great men and women who fought for India’s independence. May our great nation continue to shine brightly, and may every Indian bring glory to this vibrant nation. Jai Hind. Vande Mataram.
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