India's freedom movement against British rule witnessed the astonishing participation of undaunted people throughout the country. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Assam to Gujarat, thousands of Indian nationalists came together to fight against the atrocities of the British Raj. The struggle for freedom was not an easy one. Many had to selflessly sacrifice their lives to protect their motherland while others got imprisoned and injured. However, our freedom fighters' supreme sacrifice and selfless spirit have carved out a niche in the chronicles of history.
As has been said by one of the most striking leaders of the Indian freedom struggle, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, "One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will after his death incarnate itself in a thousand lives." Thus showing us how our freedom fighters were ready to sacrifice their own life for their independence against the illegitimate British Government.
India's long-drawn struggle to free itself from foreign rule has been a saga of valour. The untold miseries and sufferings of the freedom fighters for their motherland were not merely for political rights but freedom from the oppression of the alien rule in all walks of life. Over these years, the freedom struggle has gone deep into the roots of every Indian. It drew strength from every nook and corner of the country, breaking all the caste, creed, region, and religious barriers.
We all have heard a lot about the commendable and prominent fighters such as Subhash Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. They laid down their lives for the sake of their motherland. However, some lesser-known women freedom fighters' names have been blurred from the books of history, and they never got the share of the limelight even though they fought equally hard. The story of India's freedom is incomplete without these unsung heroes.
We seldom hear the contribution of women to this arena of freedom fight. This is especially important as India is traditionally a patriarchal country. For women to come out of their homes was not only a battle against colonialism but also an onset of a more significant battle against patriarchy. It is a battle that is being fought even today. In this vein, this article is an ode to the voices of the women freedom fighters of India who are less heard.
One of the first women's rights activists, an Indian social worker, and the founder of Seva Sadan, Ramabai Ranade, was a pioneer of India's modern women's movement. The Seva Sadan, having been attended by thousands of women, was the most successful of all Indian women's institutions. Ramabai’s personal supervision of the institution allowed it to become extremely popular. In that era of social inequality, women were not allowed to go to school and become literate. Nevertheless, Ramabai, soon after her marriage, started to learn reading and writing with solid support and encouragement from Mahadev Govind Ranade. She continued working vigorously for the next 25 years towards women's education, legal rights, equal status, and general awakening.
"A country's greatness lies in its undying ideals of love and sacrifice that inspire the mothers of the race," said Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India. She was a prime figure in the Indian National Movement. She travelled to diverse regions to give speeches on social welfare, women's empowerment, and nationalism. Naidu founded the Women's Indian Association and sought equal rights for women. She encouraged more women to join the freedom struggle and play their part. Even after 140 years, Naidu still inspires every generation of women to be passionate and vigorous in whatever career they choose. She voiced for the cause she believed. Her legacy of some of the most precious literary treasures makes us always cherish her. Her struggle for women's emancipation and empowerment is of keen importance in contemporary times. Once Sarojini Naidu completed her studies, she published her first book of poetry, "The Golden Threshold," and made India proud with her work as a politician, orator, activist, and poet. The rest, as they say, is history.
A lot of gallant women raised their voices against British rule. Numerous women took to the streets, led processions, and held lectures and demonstrations. These women possessed a lot of courage and intense patriotism. We seldom talk about the selfless hard work, struggles, and sacrifices done by these women. The Indian movement of independence is incomplete without mentioning the notable contributions of female freedom fighters.
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