Alok Acharja

Pritilata Waddedar is a brave name for freedom from the British. Freedom is a word that is the birthright of man. Freedom is the name of learning to live in self-identity while growing up in free air, a free environment, and an uninhibited childhood. In the history of Bengal, after the fall of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula, the independence of Bengal went to the hands of the British. Today we are known as an independent nation. But many lives had to be sacrificed to gain independence from the British and overseas Pakistanis.

There have been heroic men and women throughout the ages. Those who have dreamed and demonstrated freedom. A woman who fought for freedom during British rule is Pritilata Waddedar. I can give my life for freedom, I won't hesitate to take my life. But to kill an innocent life is delusional, I can't - this quote by Pritilata Waddar, a memorable name of the anti-British movement. She has sacrificed his blood for the country for ages in the world. Our country was under British rule before it was freed from Pakistanis before partition. At that time, many agitators for the liberation of India moved to liberate India from the hands of the British.

Regardless of youth, youth, women, and men, everyone has done this movement. Khudiram Bose made a bomb with his own hands and attacked the train to crush the shrine of Saheb. Unfortunately, innocent Indians were killed in that bomb. He was hanged for that. Many freedom seekers have shed their blood for freedom.

However, in most cases, the names of men's libertarians are heard and discussed more. Women libertarians are not discussed much. Maybe that number is just a handful. Pritilat's name is associated with the anti-British movement. While many male revolutionaries are associated with the anti-British movement, women revolutionaries are rarely heard of. The self-sacrifice that a woman gave to liberate the motherland in the adverse conditions of that time, with the dream of freedom in her eyes, is still remembered today. He is remembered with reverence. She was the first revolutionary female martyr who inspired and gave courage to women for ages. Pritilita was born on 5 May 1911 and died on 23 September 1932.

Pritilata matriculated in the first division in 1927 from Khastgir Girls' School in Chittagong. In 1929, she was admitted to Dhaka Eden Women's College and secured first place in Dhaka Board in Higher Secondary Examination. Two years later Pritilata graduated with distinction in philosophy from Bethune College, Calcutta. While a student at Eden College, Pritilata was a member of Sri Sangh under the leadership of Deepali Sangh and while a student at Bethune College, Calcutta, she became a member of the Women's Sangh under the leadership of Kalyani Das.

After graduation, she joined Nandankanan Aparnacharan, an English medium school in Chittagong as a head teacher. In 1930 many revolutionary groups were struggling throughout Bengal. Members of those parties believed that India's independence could be achieved only through armed revolution. In this case, Pritilata Waddedar was inspired to revolution by reading the secret documents of India's freedom struggle. A brother of Pritilta informed Masterda about his revolutionary spirit. Pritilata became the first woman member of the revolutionary party led by Surya Sen. He was involved in operations to destroy telephone and telegraph offices and seize reserve police lines. Participated in the battle of Jalalabad.

She actively participated in the armed movement under the leadership of Masterda Suryasen, the hero of the anti-British movement. In today's women's society, we can learn to protest against the patriarchal attitude and oppression by being inspired by the life of love. Pritilata sacrificed himself for the country to build resistance against unjust oppression for the freedom of the people of the country. The year she was martyred, she led a revolutionary group of 15 during the takeover of the European Club in Pahartali.

A signboard in that club gives an idea of the hatred of the British towards Indians. A signboard in this club read 'Dogs and Indians not allowed'. From this one sentence, it is clear that the white-skinned did not consider the Indians any different from the lower class of animals. And very degrading to the people of this subcontinent. Indians were also devalued at every step. These devaluations gradually started to cut deep scars in the minds of the entire Indian people. This kind of thinking was instilling the taste of freedom more and more.

She committed suicide by consuming potassium cyanide after the European Club attack. Because the country was more valuable to her than life. In order not to leak any information from him, he committed suicide by consuming the poison she had with him. She was also shot. However, it was reported that his gunshot was not the cause of death. A day later, when her body was searched, revolutionary leaflets, operation plans, revolver bullets, photos of Ramakrishna Biswas, and a whistle were found in his possession. Pritilata Waddedar's belief in a revolutionary spirit has inspired freedom-seeking people for ages. It is still flowing today. Revolution never dies.

The writer is a Essayist and columnist Pabna.