Published By: Devyani

Independence Day 2025: Matangini, Kanaklata & More - The Names That Deserve to Be Remembered

Beyond the familiar names: celebrating Matangini, Kanaklata and other unsung heroes of India's Freedom struggle.

As we gear up for another heartfelt Independence Day on August 15th  - with its fluttering flags, stirring parades, and the warmth of shared pride - it's natural to reflect on legends like Gandhi and Nehru. But the truth is, India's journey to freedom was a magnificent tapestry woven by countless threads.

Today, let's gently pull on a few of those threads - the stories of extraordinary individuals whose immense courage and sacrifice sometimes linger in the quieter corners of our history books. Ready to be inspired?

The Unyielding Spirit: Matangini Hazra

Imagine the dusty streets of Tamluk, Bengal, in September 1942. The Quit India Movement is a roaring fire. At the forefront of a massive, peaceful procession walks a 73-year-old woman. Clad in a simple white sari, she holds the Indian flag high. This was revered as "Gandhi Buri" (Old Lady Gandhi) for embodying the Mahatma's principles of non-violent resistance with unwavering faith.

(@IndiaTales7/X)/small>

As the procession neared the police station, British officers ordered a halt. Matangini, a beacon of calm determination, urged the marchers forward. Shots shattered the air. One bullet struck her hand. Without hesitation, she shifted the flag to her other hand. Another shot hit her second hand. With profound resolve, she clasped the flag between her elbows,  refusing to let it fall. A third bullet ended her life. Her final words, echoing through the chaos, were "Vande Mataram." Her sacrifice wasn't just personal; it became a powerful catalyst, intensifying the freedom movement across Bengal. It was courage of the purest kind.

(@SchoolofSpandan//small>

The Flame of Youth: Kanaklata Barua

(@NCWIndia/X)

Now, let's journey northeast to Gohpur, Assam, also in 1942. Here, we find Kanaklata Barua. Just seventeen years old. While many of us at that age are navigating studies and friendships, Kanaklata stepped forward to lead the "Mrityu Bahini" (Death Squad) in a mission to hoist the tricolour at their local police station - a bold symbol of defiance.

(@RahulSeeker/X)

Facing British rifles, this young woman marched at the head of her group, clutching the national flag. Undeterred by the imminent danger, she pressed on. Tragically, she was shot at point-blank range while holding the flag aloft. Kanaklata's life, full of promise, was extinguished in an instant for the dream of a free nation. Her story is a poignant, powerful reminder of the profound sacrifices made by the youngest hearts for our liberty.

Echoes of Courage from Across the Land

The freedom struggle resonated in every corner of India. Let's honour a few more remarkable figures whose contributions deserve our lasting remembrance:

Birsa Munda (Jharkhand)

(@piebyfour/X)

Rising in the late 1800s, this visionary tribal leader spearheaded the "Ulgulan" (Great Tumult) rebellion against not only British colonial rule but also the exploitative "zamindari" system crushing his people. His fierce resistance for tribal rights and self-rule made him "Dharti Aba" (Father of the Earth). He died imprisoned at just 25 in 1900, but his legacy is foundational to Jharkhand's identity.

Tirot Sing Syiem (Meghalaya)

(@szarita/X)

In the early 1830s, this valiant Khasi chief led a determined resistance against the British East India Company's encroachment into the Khasi Hills. For four years, he masterfully used guerrilla warfare amidst the region's dense, mist-shrouded forests. Captured in 1833, he died in exile in 1835, remembered as a pioneering symbol of defiance in the Northeast.

Alluri Sitarama Raju (Andhra Pradesh)

(@IndiaHistoryPics/X)

Leading the Rampa Rebellion (1922-24) in the tribal areas of the Eastern Ghats, Raju fought against oppressive British forest laws that devastated local communities. His strategic brilliance earned him the title "Manyam Veerudu" (Hero of the Jungle). He was captured and executed by the British in 1924.

Remembering Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua, Birsa Munda, Tirot Sing Syiem, and Alluri Sitarama Raju connects us to the profound depth and diversity of the struggle. It reminds us that independence was a collective triumph, built on the sacrifices of men and women from every region, community, and walk of life.

This Independence Day, amidst the celebrations and sweets, let's take a quiet moment. Reflect on the grandmother who held the flag until her last breath, the young woman who embodied fearless patriotism, and the leaders who fought for justice on their own terms. Their legacy is our shared heritage.

Let's ensure their names are spoken with the reverence they deserve - integral chapters in India's great story of liberation. Jai Hind!