Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle

-- Anaya Annie Sam, IIK Young Contributor

Monday, August 8, 2022

Independence day is coming soon. So,this is the topic we should discuss about. By ‘unsung heroes ‘ l mean lesser known freedom fighters. I am pretty sure you might not have heard of Baji Rout. Baji Rout was the youngest Indian freedom fighter. He was only 12 years old when he was killed. Many other unsung heroes are: Aruna Asaf Ali, Peer Ali Khan, Satyavati Devi etc.

Aruna Asaf Ali was known as ‘Grand Old Lady of India.’ She was also the first mayor of Delhi. She was participating very actively during the salt satyagraha. She was arrested later for her participation in the satyagraha. Even though, by the ‘Gandhi-Irwin’pact, she was supposed to be released but she wasn’t. Only after a strong protest by other female freedom fighters and Gandhi, she was released. She was also known as the heroine of the Quit India Movement. Though, most major leaders were in jail, Aruna Asaf Ali marked the beginning of the Quit India Movement. She played an important role in the formation of National Federation of Indian Women. She was awarded with Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna.

Peer Al Khan played a leading role in the revolt of 1857. He was later given the death penalty along with others for participating in the revolt.
Satyavati Devi was the oldest freedom fighter. She was also the mother of Krishan Kant. In 1942, she was imprisoned by the British along with her daughters for participating in the Indian Freedom Struggle. I hope that during the during Independence Day, we will remember those who are forgotten and remembered.