Independence Day 2024: Honouring lesser-known women freedom fighters

Independence Day celebrated on August 15 every year commemorates the end of British colonial authority in India in 1947 While the biographies of wellknown heroes like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru are frequently highlighted the achievements of numerous women independence fighters are underappreciated As we commemorate Indian Independence Day 2024 it is vital to recognise and honour those unsung women who played critical roles in the war for independenceThe Role of Women in Indiarsquos Independence MovementWomen from various areas of life joined the Indian freedom movement They coordinated protests marches and other revolutionary acts Despite the societal hurdles they encountered these women showed exceptional courage and determination making enormous contributions to the cause of freedom Here are some lesserknown women liberation warriors whose contributions should be recognised1 Rani GaidinliuRani Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual leader and independence warrior from Manipur At the age of 13 she joined the Heraka movement which sought to remove British sovereignty from the Northeast She led an armed uprising against the British but was eventually apprehended and imprisoned for 14 years Despite the terrible conditions she stayed committed to the independence movement Leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru appreciated Gaidinlius achievements referring to her as the daughter of the hills2 Aruna Asaf AliAruna Asaf Ali is commonly known as the Grand Old Lady of Indian Independence She was a significant figure in the 1942 Quit India Movement spearheading rallies and hoisting the Indian flag at Bombays Gowalia Tank Maidan symbolising rejection of British rule She was also involved in underground activities and assisted in the publication of the Congress partys newsletter during the movement Aruna Asaf Alis contributions were important in keeping the independence movement moving forward during a critical period3 Kamaladevi ChattopadhyayKamaladevi Chattopadhyay was a social reformer independence warrior and advocate for womens rights She was one of the first women to run for a legislative seat in India and she helped organise women in the liberation struggle Kamaladevi was a key figure in the Salt Satyagraha organising marches and protests She also tried to revive Indian handicrafts and handlooms emphasising the need for economic independence as a prerequisite for political freedom4 Bhikaiji CamaBhikaiji Cama was an early revolutionary who strongly advocated for Indias freedom from British control Living in exile in Europe she worked diligently to rally international support for Indias independence At a convention in Germany in 1907 she unfurled the first iteration of Indias national flag symbolising the countrys desire for independence Her efforts to promote the cause on a global scale elevated her to the ranks of the liberation movements most prominent figuresAs we commemorate Indias 78th Independence Day in 2024 we must remember the contributions of these lesserknown women liberation fighters Their tenacity determination and steadfast commitment to the cause of freedom were critical in Indias war for independence By remembering their legacy we not only recognise their sacrifices but also motivate future generations to uphold the values of equality justice and freedom for which they fought This Independence Day let us honour these unsung ladies by telling and remembering their tales