The Indomitable Spirit of Matangini Hazra
Dr Fauzia Khan
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha - Nationalist Congress Party | Member of Standing Committees on Women Empowerment, FC&PD | Former Minister for GAD, Education, Health & WCD Government of Maharashtra
As I reflect upon the remarkable life of Matangini Hazra, fondly known as Buri (Old) Gandhi, my heart swells with pride and admiration for her courage and unbreakable spirit in the pursuit of India's independence.
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Born in the small village of Hogla, near Tamluk in 1869, Matangini was denied a formal education due to her impoverished background. Despite being widowed at the age of eighteen without bearing any children, she fearlessly participated in India's freedom struggle as an old woman with no physical prowess, and became a symbol of perseverance in the fight against the British Raj.
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Matangini was arrested in 1930 for breaking the Salt Act during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Upon release, she immediately joined the 'Chowkidari Tax Bandha' movement, which led to her arrest once again while protesting against the illegal constitution of a court by the governor to punish those who participated in the movement.
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Despite her frail physical state, Matangini continued her social work after her release from prison, dedicating herself to helping untouchables in the 1930s. When the Quit India Movement began, she led a procession of six thousand supporters, mostly women volunteers, aiming to take over the Tamluk police station.
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During the procession, Matangini stepped forward to appeal to the Crown police not to open fire at the crowd. Despite being shot repeatedly, she held the Indian national flag high and continued chanting Vande Mataram with immense pride and dignity until her last breath. Her unwavering commitment to justice and freedom made her a true martyr for the cause of India's independence.
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Matangini Hazra's remarkable bravery and indomitable spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. Let us honor her memory and be reminded of the power of one individual's unwavering commitment to justice and freedom. Jai Hind!
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1 年This is truly inspiring!
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1 年This is amazing, Hon'ble.??
Thanks for decoding & sharing this amazing story of pride, supreme sacrifice ma'am. I am not trying to make it a biased comment, but we hear about the so-called Azadi ke Gumnaam Heroes mostly., But this story of your depicting the other sides of devotion. Particularly , it started from her own home , when she become widow, latter organising like minded half population at that time, it undoubted has took a lot courage.