Today is Maha Sasthi. Today we welcome Maa Durga to the mortal world. As part of my seven-part series to celebrate the Stree Shakti, today – the 4th day of my series – I bring to you the story of another Indian Freedom Fighter – Pritilata Wadedar who gave up her life at a very young age fighting for her motherland.
Pritilata Wadedar
Pritilata Wadedar was born on 5th May 1911 in Chittagong. She was a meritorious student and stood first in her Intermediate Exams (Plus 2). In pursue of higher studies she came to Calcutta and got herself enrolled at Bethune College. In Calcutta, she enrolled herself at Chhatri Sangha (a semi-revolutionary organization that trained young ladies in using arms and ammunition) where Bina Das was also part of.
After her graduation (she never received the degree because the British withheld it due to her proximity with Bina Das – both she and Bina Das got their certificates posthumously in 2012) she traveled back to Chittagong and joined the revolutionary group of Master Da Surya Sen.
Master Da planned to attack the Pahartali European Club which had a signboard that read “Dogs and Indians not allowed”. Kalpana Dutta was given charge of the attack. But she got arrested seven days before the attack. Pritilata was then given the job to lead the group. On 24th September 1932, a group of 8 revolutionaries headed by Pritilata Wadedar went to the club and put it on fire. After the initial daze, the British retaliated and after an intense chase, Pritilata and her group were surrounded.
Realizing that there was no route to escape she thought of a plan that would help her fellow members to escape and she created a diversion for them. Then remaining true to her love for her country she swallowed a cyanide pill and committed suicide, rather than allowing herself to be captured by the British forces. She was only 21 when she chose death for her country.
As we celebrate Stree Shakti this week, let’s remember this braveheart who sacrificed her life at the age of 21 for our freedom.
Stay Safe Everyone.
May Maa Durga bless us all.
The 5th 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.
The first part of this series was released on 19th October and you can read it here: https://souravsinha.com/2020/10/18/durga-puja-special-stree-shakti-begum-rokeya/
The second part of this series was released on 20th October and you can read it here: https://souravsinha.com/2020/10/20/durga-puja-special-stree-shakti-bina-das/
The third part of this series was released on 21st October and you can read it here: https://souravsinha.com/2020/10/20/durga-puja-special-stree-shakti-kalpana-dutta/
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.