Unknown Warriors: Saga Of Women Freedom Fighters In India

Freedom fighter. For many, the words, when heard, represent a picture of a man fighting against oppression and colonialism to gain independence. But have you ever imagined a saree-clad woman with bangles holding the Indian flag high up and seeking the freedom of the country? 

Even though the country is celebrating its 78th year of independence, It is still under the clutches of patriarchy. But enough is enough. It is time now to remove the dusty cloth from the history of women freedom fighters. It is time to recognise their contribution to the country's freedom. It is time to say "women freedom fighters" proudly.

Here is a list of a few women freedom fighters who significantly impacted the country's freedom. 

Usha Mehta

Born in March 1920, Usha Mehta was a Gandhian freedom fighter. She is known for starting an underground radio station, also known as Congree Radio Station, to provide information about the Quit India Movement and to promote resistance against colonial censorship. She was known as Radio Ben for her outspokenness and for promoting ideologies of freedom in India through radio. 

Matagiri Hazra

Matangiri Hazra was also a Gandhian freedom fighter who took part in the Quit India Movement and Non-cooperation Movement. Despite her age issues, she kept fighting for the independence of India. She was sent to jail at least twice for her rebellious nature. In one of the processions, she was hot thrice. But Hazra didn't stop holding the Indian flag high and marching until she died. Matangairi is the first woman freedom fighter whose statue was made in Kolkata. 

Aruna Asaf Ali 

Also known as Grand Old Lady, Ali was one of the most rebellious and significant freedom fighters. She is mostly known for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gwalika Tank Maidan in Bombay during the Quit India Movement. She was first arrested during the salt march. She went on a hunger strike in the Tihar jail for the ill-treatment of the prisoners. Her effort brought good results. 

Vjay Laxmi Pandit 

Born in Lucknow. Vijay Laxmi Pandit was the first woman to hold a cabinet position in the pre-independence India. She also became the 8th United Nations General Assembly from 1953 to 1954. Siter of Jawahar Lla Nehru, Pandit was arrested twice during her struggle for India's freedom. She was a politician, diplomat and Indian freedom fighter. 

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Bhikaji Cama

Bhikaji Cama was an activist and advocate for women's rights. She is well known for unfurling the first version of the Indian flag at the International Socialist Congress in Gemant in 1902. She went to Europe for studies but when she returned to India, she was prohibited at the cost that she wouldn't take part in the Indian nationalist. Cama refused and formed a group of nationalists for the freedom of the Inda in Europe itself. In Paris, Cama started a Paris Indian Society joining hands with other  Indian diaspora fighting for independence.

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay 

Kamladevi Chattopadhyaya was a social reformer whose weapon of freedom struggle was reviving the handloom, handicraft and art of India. She was the first woman from Madras to run for a legislative seat in Madras provincial elections. Her effort to back the local art and theatre of India led to significant changes in the freedom struggle of India. It is through efforts that we have the National School of Drama, Sangeet Nagat Academic, Central Cottage Industry Emporium and more cultural spaces. 

Laxmi Sehgal 

Captain Lakshmi Sahgal was an eminent freedom fighter, an officer of the Indian National Army and the Minister of Women’s Affairs of the Azad Hind Government. She was a young medical student who was drawn to the freedom struggles of India and became the leader of all-woman Rani of the Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army. Immediately after independence, she restarted her medical practice and served the refugees and marginalised sections of society.

Finally, in post-independent India, she joined the Communist Party of India, while still a doctor, and became one of the founding members of the All India Democratic Women Association, in 1981. Like her mother, she opposed caste discrimination and always supported equality, freedom and justice. Lakshmi Sehgal herself spoke in an interview that, “Freedom comes in three forms. The first is political emancipation from the conqueror, the second is economic emancipation and the third is social…India has got only the first.” 

Hence, the fight for freedom was not always about the knight in shining armour. It was also about women arching with the Indian flag to hold the country's reputation high.