DEFIANT DAUGHTERS OF INDIA: REMEMBERING THE FORGOTTEN

 

DEFIANT DAUGHTERS OF INDIA: REMEMBERING THE FORGOTTEN

INTRODUCTION

It’s been 78 years of independence and every time we talk about the people who strived hard for independence, it’s always the very same people we praise. But there were many people who did lot of unimaginable things for the independence. While some where given chapters in the history books, others were locked as a memory in the history. The upcoming generations will never know such people existed and worked while shedding their sweat and blood for their freedom. Then again in this patriarchal society, even the male who worked hard were forgotten, so the females who contributed are like invisible characters except a very few. The history of Indian Freedom struggle will be incomplete without the Naari Shakthi. This article focuses on the females who contributed for the independence yet invisible among the heroes. This article is to acknowledge them and let the people know who they are and how they helped during the time of independence.

BHIKAJI CAMA

Madam Bhikaji Cama was a fearless nationalist and one of the prominent women in India’s freedom struggle. She was born on September 24, Bombay. She played a very important role in promoting the cause of Indian independence in the international platforms. She was fondly known as the “Mother of Indian Revolution”. She dedicated her life to the nation and for the social welfare of India. She co-founded the Paris Indian Society and published revolutionary literature, including the newspaper Bande Matram. this newspaper was an inspiration of unity and resistance against the British. On 22 August, 1907, she did an iconic act at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, where she unfurled the “Flag of Indian Independence”. This act of hers made a powerful statement about India’s right to self-rule. She also found a magazine named Madan’s Talwar in Berlin and worked tirelessly to spread the message of Indian Independence. She supported Indian Revolutionaries who were in exile. Even after her death, the government made sure her legacy lived as they issued a commemorative stamp in her honor in 1962, and also the Indian Coast Guard named a patrol vessel after her in 1997. She left much of her estate to support orphaned girls Avabai Petit Trust, this shows her will towards compassion.

ARUNA ASAF ALI

Aruna Asaf Ali was known as the “Grand Old Lady” of the Independence Movement. She was a fearless freedom fighter who played a major role in the Quit India Movement. She is best known for hoisting the Indian flag at Bombay’s Gowalia Tank Maiden on August 9, 1942, all while fearlessly defying the order of British. After Independence, she served as Delhi’s first mayor, she was great help in establishing the National Federation of Indian Women. She also co-founded progressive magazines like Link and Patriot. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and also the Bharat Ratna by the government of India. She’s best remembered for her courage and commitment to social justice.

INVISIBLE TORCHBEARERS

There are many more women who contributed for the freedom of India like Matangini Hazra, Sucheta Kriplani, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Kasturba Gandhi, Lakshmi Sahgal, Jhalkaribai, Usha Mehta, Kanaklata Barua, Pritilata Waddedar, Kamala Nehru, Kittur Rani Chennamma, Rani Gaidinliu, Durgabai Deshmukh, Durgawati Devi and many more women whose name are not known have contributed for the Independence of India. They are not the names which we see often in essays and articles but it’s time we acknowledge these invisible and background warriors.

CONCLUSION

India’s freedom was not won by a few leaders alone. There were lots of people who left their families, pored their sweat and blood, spent months and years in prisons and even lost their lives for our liberty. These women fought with courage, power, unshakable belief in justice, they defy all the societal norms and proved to be equal to men. But sadly, very few people remember them and its our duty to make them visible, teach our future generation about these powerful women and be proud of our women.

 Closing Credit

 Author- Shruthika M

"The views expressed are personal. This article is intended for educational purposes and public discourse. Feedback and constructive criticism are welcome!"