When we talk about India’s freedom struggle, the names of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose immediately come to mind. But behind the scenes — and often on the frontlines — stood courageous women freedom fighters who risked their lives for an independent India. This Independence Day, it’s time to remember the women whose bravery and sacrifice remain etched in the soul of our nation.
1. Matangini Hazra – The 73-Year-Old Martyr
Known as the “Gandhi Buri” (Old Lady Gandhi), Matangini Hazra joined the Quit India Movement in her seventies. In 1942, during a protest march in Tamluk, West Bengal, she was shot by the British police while holding the tricolor and chanting “Vande Mataram.” Even after being shot, she continued to move forward until she fell, draped in the flag she loved so deeply.
2. Aruna Asaf Ali – The Flag Bearer of Quit India Movement
Often called the “Grand Old Lady of the Independence Movement,” Aruna Asaf Ali was a fearless leader who defied British orders during the Quit India Movement. In 1942, she hoisted the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai — a bold act that inspired thousands to join the struggle.
3. Kanaklata Barua – The Teenage Martyr from Assam
At just 17, Kanaklata Barua led a procession to hoist the tricolor at Gohpur Police Station in Assam. Despite repeated warnings from British forces, she marched forward with the flag. She was shot dead, but her sacrifice ignited a wave of courage among the youth of Assam.
4. Usha Mehta – The Voice of Freedom
During the Quit India Movement, Usha Mehta set up the underground “Congress Radio” to broadcast uncensored news and patriotic messages. At a time when the British tightly controlled communication, her broadcasts kept the spirit of resistance alive across India.
These women freedom fighters proved that patriotism knows no gender, age, or background. Their courage reminds us that the fight for justice, equality, and unity is ongoing. As we celebrate Independence Day, honoring their legacy is a way to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Also Read: National Youth Day: 3 major problems – Focus, Insomnia and Chaotic Inner Self
India’s independence was not achieved by a few — it was the result of countless sacrifices. The stories of India’s women freedom fighters are not just tales of the past; they are timeless lessons in courage and resilience. This Independence Day, let us remember them not as silent supporters, but as powerful architects of the nation’s freedom.
