Durga Puja Special: Stree Shakti: Bina Das
As part of my seven-part series to celebrate the women’s spirit of Bengal, today I bring to you the story of a little known Indian Freedom Fighter – Bina Das – another “Bengali Agni Kanya”.
Bina Das
Born on 21st August 1911, Bina Das was a part of Chhatri Sangha – a revolutionary organisation for women which taught young college students how to use arms and ammunition.
On 6th February 1932, a 21-year student from Bethune College, Bina Das walked into the Calcutta University during a convocation program and fired shots at the then, Governor Stanley Jackson.
(For cricket fans, Stanley Jackson was a cricketer and played for England and was an Ashes-winning captain).
Bina Das missed her target and was caught & subsequently jailed for 9 years. After getting her release she joined the Quit India movement and was jailed again for 3 years.
She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1960.
Unfortunately for India, this firebrand revolutionary died an ignominious death.
Her dead body was recovered from the roadside on 26th December 1986 in a partially decomposed state. It was found by the passing crowd in Rishikesh. The police were informed and it took them a month to determine her identity.
As we celebrate Stree Shakti this week, let’s remember this poignant story, even though late, and salute her for her sacrifices.
Stay Safe Everyone. Let’s celebrate Durga Puja from home.
May Maa Durga bless us all.
The 3rd Part of this Seven Part Series will release tomorrow where we will discuss another firebrand Bengali lady who left an indelible mark in Indian history.
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Never heard about her.. chalie ja darunn likhechis
Thank You Anuj Da.
Hi Sourav and All,
Happy Durga Pooja 2020! Stay home and be safe!
Sourav, thanks for highlighting and celebrating women’s valuable contribution, which may have changed our societies in a positive way, during the Durga Pooja 2020 celebration.
It is amazing to learn that many brave women have scrifisied thier freedom (in some case, even their own lives) so that we, today, may enjoy societal freedom and global equality, to a large extent. And, yet, we still know very little about many of these female bravehearts.
In the case of Bina Das, it is extremely sad to learn that, despite of her Padma Shri award, she passed away under such sad circumstances. This tell me that having a prestigious award means very little to some, if it does not serve it’s purpose, or, serve them well.
I have read many such sad stories of social heroes, who end-up in such sad situations, during thier final years. So, I believe, it is high-time for us to take care of our well-known, but, mostly, unsung heoes, who may have given us so much!
Sourav, thanks for your valuable contributions 🙂
Warm regards,
Becks