MATANGINI HAZRA, KANAKLATA BARUA

2. About Matangini Hazra

• Born in 1869 in the village of Hogla, near Tamluk in West Bengal, Matangini Hazra's early years were marked by modest circumstances.
• Denied formal education due to financial constraints, she was married at a tender age to Trilochan Hazra.
• Following her husband's early demise, Matangini found her calling in social causes and soon became an active participant in the Nationalist movement, profoundly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideals.
• Nicknamed 'Gandhiburi' by her village, Hazra's commitment to the freedom struggle was unparalleled.
• She fearlessly led a multitude of marches and protests, earning respect and admiration for her relentless determination.
• At the age of 73, during the Quit India movement of 1942, she led a procession of thousands, aiming to take control of the Tamluk police station.
• Tragically, her pleas for non-violence went unheard, and she was fatally shot by British police.
• Matangini Hazra's legacy endures through various tributes, including the first statue dedicated to a woman revolutionary in Kolkata Maidan and the naming of schools and roads in her honour.

Image Source: Inshorts

3. About Kanaklata Barua

• Kanaklata Barua, a prominent figure in Assam's struggle for independence, was a beacon of bravery at just 17 years old.
• Leading the 'Mrityu Bahini' or Death Squad, a procession of freedom fighters, she aspired to hoist the Tricolor at the Gohpur police station on September 20, 1942.
• Despite her youth, Barua's determination and leadership qualities led her to the forefront of the movement.
• Tragedy struck when an altercation with the police led to the firing, resulting in Kanaklata Barua's untimely demise.
• Even in her final moments, she held the Tricolor aloft, refusing to let it touch the ground.
• Her unwavering spirit and sacrifice captured the nation's imagination during a time when women were emerging as formidable leaders in the struggle for independence.
• In a fitting tribute, the Indian Coast Guard honoured her memory by naming a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) after her, the ICGS Kanaklata Barua.

4. Conclusion

• Matangini Hazra and Kanaklata Barua exemplify the courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment of women freedom fighters who played an integral role in India's journey to independence.
• Their sacrifices continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the formidable power of determination and unity in the face of oppression.
• As we commemorate their contributions, let us uphold their legacies and draw strength from their unwavering dedication to the ideals of freedom and justice.