Kanaklata Barua was a freedom fighter whose extreme bravery and a strong sense of patriotism continues to amaze the masses even today
She was the lady who played a main role in protesting against the British during the Quit India Movement by fearlessly leading a group of patriots
The Quit India Movement was launched at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee by Mahatma Gandhi on August 9, 1942, demanding an end to British rule in India
On the occasion of 81st anniversary of this momentous movement that changed the course of India’s history, let us reminisce about the valour of the woman leader who was a heroine in real life-
Kanaklata Barua was born to Krishna Kanta Barua and Korneshwari Barua in Borongabari village at Sonitpur district in Assam on December 22, 1924
She attained martyrdom at the age of 17 years after being shot by the British on September 20, 1942
Her mother died when she was 5 years old and her father also passed away by the time she was 13 so she dropped out of school to raise her siblings
Mahatma Gandhi who asked Indians to follow the rule of ‘Do or Die’ in their fight against the British inspired many including Kanaklata who decided to fight for independence of India
During the Quit India Movement, Kanaklata Barua joined the Mrityu Bahini, a death squad comprising a group of youths from Gohpur
When the Bahini decided that Kanaklata would hoist the national flag at the local police station, she herself led a group of unarmed villagers to do this act of brave patriotism
She did not get deterred from the life threatening warning given by the British and fearlessly continued to lead the group thereby serving a strong example of woman power
However, police opened indiscriminate fire on the group and Kanaklata Barua was martyred in young age with a Tricolour furling in her hands