The Immortal Saga of Kanaklata Barua - The 17-Year-Old Heroine Who Died for the Tricolor | The True Story of a Martyred Freedom Fighter 2024
Struggle - An Immortal Saga
Kanakalta Barua's name is written in golden letters in the history of the Indian freedom struggle as the youngest martyr at the age of 17. This daughter of Assam, who sacrificed her life to hoist the tricolor at the Gohpur Police Station on September 20, 1942, remains a source of inspiration in the hearts of every Indian. Her heroic saga is not just a historical event, but a symbol of youth power and women's empowerment.
Valor evident from childhood - An extraordinary personality
Early life and family struggles
Born on December 22, 1924, in Barangabari village, Sonitpur district, Assam, Kanaklata Barua's life was filled with struggles from childhood. The daughter of Krishnakant Barua and Karneshwari Barua, she lost her mother's love at just 5 years old. Her father remarried, but when Kanaklata was 13, she also passed away.
Kanklata's grandfather, Ghan Kanta Barua, was a renowned hunter in Assam, and her ancestors belonged to the Dolakashariya Barua dynasty. This family tradition of bravery and self-respect was clearly reflected in Kanaklata's personality.
Education and Life Challenges
Due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, Kanaklata had to leave her studies after the third grade. She had to take care of her younger siblings and live with her stepmother. Despite these hardships, Kanaklata's sense of patriotism grew stronger.
Active Participation in the Quit India Movement
Joining the Mrityu Bahini - A Fearless Decision
In 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan "Do or Die," the freedom struggle intensified in Assam. The Mrityu Bahini was formed under the leadership of Pushpalata Das. It was a death squad whose members were ready to sacrifice their lives at Gandhiji's call.
Kankalata initially wanted to join the Azad Hind Fauj, but was turned down because she was under 17 years of age. This disappointment made her even more determined, and she eventually gained membership in the Mrityu Bahini. Recognized by her patriotism and courage, she was made the leader of the women's cadre.
The Influence of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala
Kankalata was deeply influenced by the speeches and songs of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, a renowned Assamese cultural figure. He had established a camp for revolutionaries in Tezpur district, just 8 km from Kanaklata's home. This is where Kanaklata's journey to nationalism began.
A historical procession in Bangalore during the Quit India Movement in 1942
September 20, 1942 - That immortal day in history
The Mission of Gohpur Police Station
During the Quit India Movement, the Assam Provincial Congress Committee established the 'Shanti Bahini,' which had approximately 20,000 members. Under the direction of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, it was decided to peacefully hoist the tricolor at police stations in Tezpur district. Kanaklata Barua was given the responsibility of hoisting the tricolor at Gohpur Police Station.
That Historic Morning
On the morning of September 20, 1942, a huge procession of unarmed villagers marched towards Gohpur Police Station, chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai." Holding the tricolor in her hand, 17-year-old Kanaklata led the procession. The procession included approximately 5,000 people.
When the procession approached the police station, police officer Rebati Mahan Som warned, "If you move even an inch, you will be shot." Kanaklata fearlessly replied: "Do your duty, I will do mine." She said: "Don't make the mistake of considering us young women weak. The soul is immortal, only the body is perishable. So why should we fear anyone?"Final Moments - An Immortal Saga of Martyrdom
As the procession continued, the police opened fire. Kanaklata Barua was hit in the chest by the first bullet, but she did not let the tricolor fall. When she fell, Mukunda Kakoti took charge of the flag and was also martyred instantly. Ultimately, Rampati Rajkhowa hoisted the tricolor at the police station.
Kanklata was only 17 years, 8 months, and 29 days old at the time of her death. Her martyrdom sparked a new wave of the freedom struggle throughout Assam.
Kanklata Barua's Immortal Legacy
Honors and Memorials
Kanklata Barua was posthumously awarded the titles of 'Birbala', 'Martyr', and 'Veerangana'. The Government of India took several important steps in her honor:
In 1997, a Fast Patrol Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard was named 'ICGS Kanaklata Barua'.
In 2011, a life-size statue was installed in Gauripur.
In 2020, a new Coast Guard vessel was also commissioned in her name.
In Cinema and Literature
Kanakalata Barua's heroic saga was depicted in Chandra Mudoi's film "Epaha Fulil Epaha Soril." A Hindi version of this film, titled "Purab Ki Awaaz," was also released. Her story has also been immortalized in Assamese literature and folk songs.
Statue of Kanaklata Barua, the young 17-year-old freedom fighter of Assam holding a flag.
Relevance in the Modern Era
A Symbol of Women's Empowerment
Kanakalata Barua's story continues to inspire women's empowerment and youth power. She proved that age, gender, or social circumstances cannot prevent anyone from serving the country.
Education and Awareness
Several schools and institutions in Assam are named after Kanaklata Barua. The Nalbari Civil Hospital has been named 'Martyr Mukunda Kakati Civil Hospital.' This is an effort to keep her memory and that of her comrade Mukunda Kakati alive.
Contribution to National Integration
Kanklata Barua's story plays a significant role in bringing Northeast India's contribution to the national mainstream. She is a symbol of Northeast India's participation in the Indian freedom struggle.
Comparison with Other Women Heroines
Similarities with Matangini Hazra
Matangini Hazra was also martyred while leading a procession carrying the tricolor during the Quit India Movement. Both brave women sacrificed their lives while chanting "Vande Mataram."
Inspiration from Aruna Asaf Ali
Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the tricolor at the Gowalia Tank grounds. Kanaklata Barua, who had the courage to hoist the tricolor at the police station, was also a continuation of this tradition.Conclusion - An Immortal Message
This immortal saga of Kanaklata Barua teaches us that true patriotism defies age, circumstances, or social barriers. This 17-year-old brave woman proved that even death bows before determination and loyalty.
Today, as we breathe in independent India, we must remember the unsung heroes like Kanaklata Barua who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Their martyrdom teaches us that true bravery lies not in age but in determination.
Kanklata Barua's name is written in golden letters in the pages of history and will forever remain a symbol of Indian women's power. Her heroic saga will continue to inspire generations to come that no sacrifice is too small in serving the nation.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Question 1: Who was Kanaklata Barua and why is she famous?
Answer: Kanaklata Barua was a 17-year-old freedom fighter from Assam who was martyred while hoisting the tricolor at the Gohpur police station during the Quit India Movement. She is considered the youngest heroine of the Indian freedom struggle.
Question 2: When and where was Kanaklata Barua martyred?
Answer: Kanaklata Barua was martyred on September 20, 1942, at the Gohpur police station in Assam. She was leading a procession to hoist the tricolor when she was killed in police firing.
Question 3: How old was Kanaklata Barua at the time of her martyrdom?
Answer: Kanaklata Barua was only 17 years, 8 months, and 29 days old at the time of her martyrdom. She was born on December 22, 1924, and was martyred on September 20, 1942.
Question 4: What was the Mrityu Bahini, and how did Kanaklata join it?
Answer: The Mrityu Bahini was a death squad formed under the leadership of Pushpalata Das, whose members were willing to sacrifice their lives at Gandhiji's call to do or die. Kanaklata was made the leader of the women's cadre.
Question 5: What honors has Kanaklata Barua received?
Answer: Kanaklata received the titles of 'Birbala', 'Martyr', and 'Veerangana'. The Indian government has built Coast Guard ships, installed statues, and made films in her name. In 2020, a new Coast Guard ship was also commissioned in her name.