Forgotten Fearless Women of Freedom

 

"The Festival of the Holy Water of Amrit" (Amrit Kaal ka Mahotsav). Introspection into one's past experiences. And contemplation of the future.

In this, India's 75th year of independence, let us take a moment to honour the brave women who fought for that freedom.

Also, let us not forget the countless others who have given their lives and are giving their lives today to ensure that India remains a constitutional democracy that is both secular and egalitarian. Like the immortal Sahir song, "Woh Subah kabhi to ayegi," the recollection brings renewal and hope, and the festering wounds become a dream.

This is because the vision of this idealistic Subah inspired women of all ages across the vast, invisible, and undulating Indian landscape to rise up against the British. Some were killed, others languished in prison for years, still, others were forgotten and left behind by a "free India," while others made it out alive to tell the tale.

So, let's hear their stories, both told and untold.

Her Name Was Freedom: 35 Brave Women Who Fought for India's Independence is the title of the book. Anu Kumar, an Indian-American author, penned it. Cover design by Sharanya Kunnath, and other sensitive illustrations by Mistunee Chowdhury (Hachette India, Children's Books, pg 222, 2022). While the book is intended for young readers, it is time for adults to catch up.

Those who have "no or little" historical understanding of how India fought a protracted and peaceful struggle for several years, including armed, underground revolutionary actions; those who were glorifying Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust while millions of Jews were gas-chambered in the heart of Europe; and those who were glorifying Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust while thousands of freedom fighters and revolving fighters were killed.

Khudiram Bose, the youngest, committed suicide by hanging himself, while Prafulla Chaki, another young revolutionary, took his own life by gun because he did not want to be taken alive. Bhagat Singh was about 23 years old when he, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were executed by hanging.

On the other hand, we're here to honour 35 brave ladies. Many of us have known their stories since we were young, back when history wasn't being rewritten. We also learned about and admired women like Rani Lakshmibai, Savitribai Phule, Debi Chudhurani, Annie Besant, Bhikaji Cama, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Durgabai Deshmukh, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Aruna Asaf Ali, Lakshmi Sehgal, and Sarojini

Rani Chennamma, Muthulakshmi Reddi, Hansa Mehta, Pritlata Waddedar and Kalpana Datta, Yashodhara Dasappa, Begum Qudsia Rasul, Rani Gaidinliu, Dashayani Velayudhan, Dhanvanthi Rama Rau, Annie Mascarene, and Matangini Hazra are names that only a select few are familiar with. The text and illustrations in this stunning book gleam with infinite energy, courage, sacrifice, and idealism, and tell us their stories alongside those of the well-known women.

I can only write about a small number of these unsung heroes of freedom in this column. They're bright as the first stars of the day.

"A young teen hero from Nagaland, Rani Gaidinliu fiercely led the Zeliangrong Naga community in their fight for freedom against British rule," writes Anu Kumar. For the rest of her life, she fought to preserve Naga traditions for future generations.