KANAKLATA BARUA

While many sacrificed their lives for country’s independence and helped the country free herself from the clutches of the British, the contribution of Kanaklata Barua remains heroic yet unsung. She was a freedom fighter from Assam and played a pivotal role in the 1942 Quit India Movement by sacrificing her life for the cause of the country. She was an eminent freedom fighter born on the 22nd of December, 1924 and showed patriotic tendencies since a very young age. Her grandfather Ghana Kanta Barua was a famous hunter in Assam. Her ancestors were from the Dolakharia Barua kingdom of the erstwhile Ahom state.

Role in freedom struggle

The Indian National Congress in 1942, resolved to “Do or Die”. This speech was given by Mahatma Gandhi at the All India Congress Committee Session at Bombay for the independence of the country. Young people all over the country, joined the movement in masses including Kanaklata Barua andshe became one of the great warriors who pushed for independence.

Death and commemoration

On 20 September 1942, the revolutionaries in Assam, led by Barua proceeded towards the police station to unfurl the national flag. They were warned by the police not to proceed further, however, the procession continued marching. The police fired at the procession in which Barua was gravely injured. Despite injuring herself seriously, she kept holding on to the flag until her companion Mukanda Kakati took it from her. Barua later succumbed to her injuries and attained martyrdom.In 1997, the Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Kanaklata Barua of the Indian Coast Guard was named after her.

Dhruvi Shah

Intern