Independence Day 2024 | 5 women who led Quit India Movement
Independence Day 2024: The Quit India Movement pushed India towards eventual independence from British colonial rule. The movement which was also known as the Bharat Chhodo Andolan was launched in August 1942.
This movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, called for India's immediate independence from British rule and encouraged Indians to participate in a nonviolent civil disobedience campaign against British colonialism.
However, while Gandhi receives the most of the focus, the fiery and tenacious women leaders who played important roles in the movement are frequently overlooked.
The Quit India Movement encouraged women to leave their homes and fight British rule. With many men imprisoned, women flocked to the streets to rally, give public lectures, hold demonstrations, and even handle explosives.
They emerged as the movement's torchbearers and were frequently imprisoned for their beliefs.
Unfortunately, British retaliation had a significant impact on women as well. British officials frequently barged into homes, subjecting women to violence, abuse, and rape. Although hundreds of women took part in rallies, there are a few prominent individuals who stand out in the history of women's engagement in the Quit India Movement.
Aruna Asaf Ali: 'Heroine of the 1942 Movement
Aruna Asaf Ali, widely regarded as the 'Grand Old Lady' of the Independence Movement, was a daring revolutionary from Punjab who played an important role in the Quit India movement.
She is most known for her courageous act of hoisting the Indian National flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay on August 9, 1942, which signalled the start of the movement.
Despite police firing on the assembly, she heroically presided over the meeting, earning her the title of 'Heroine of the 1942 Movement'.
Sucheta Kripalani
Uttar Pradesh was led by Sucheta Kripalani of Punjab, India's first woman chief minister and a constitutional history professor. She also established the All India Mahila Congress in 1940.
She was arrested by the British because she actively participated in the campaign. Her tenacity and dedication to the cause of independence established her as a significant female leader in the struggle.
Matangini Hazra
Matangini Hazra, a 73-year-old West Bengal woman, led a march of almost 6,000 freedom fighters who planned to take over the Tamluk police station.
Despite being shot several times, she kept screaming "Vande Mataram" and died holding the tricolour in her hands.
Her bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom continue to inspire others.
Kanaklata Barua
The 17-year-old Kanaklata Barua from Assam was part of the 'Mrityu Bahini' death squad. During the Quit India Movement, she led a procession of unarmed villagers to the British-dominated Gohpur Police Station to hoist the national flag.
However, the cops opened fire, and she was fatally shot. Despite her early age, her bravery and sacrifice for the country are remembered with admiration.
Tara Rani Srivastava
Tara Rani Srivastava, born in Patna, and her husband Phulendu Babu were ardent participants in the Quit India movement. When her husband was shot when the newlyweds were raising slogans in front of the Siwan police station, she did not hesitate. Instead, she continued to march towards the police station while holding the national flag. By the time she returned, her husband had died, but her spirit had not been broken.
- PTC NEWS
