Durga Puja in Kolkata honors women heroes of Quit India movement

KOLKATA: A Durga Puja in Hatigaban, north Kolkata, is honouring the real Durgas from diverse socio-economic, religious and cultural backgrounds who participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942, a pivotal event that united people across the country.Women played a crucial role in the 1942 Quit India Movement, leading protests, engaging in underground activities and disseminating information after leaders were arrested. Notable figures included Aruna Asaf Ali, who hoisted the Indian flag to initiate the movement; Matangini Hazra, an octogenarian martyred while leading a procession; and Sucheta Kripalani, a steadfast activist who sustained the movement."The theme will be presented in the form of a museum through photographs, sculptures, paintings and motifs. While researching the topic, we dug out reference to over 2,500 names. At the pandal museum, we will be showcasing some of them including Kumadini Dakua who led the Bhagini Sena (Sister's Army) in East Midnapore, Tileshwari Barua who spearheaded the Assam Mrityu Bahini and Usha Mehta who was India's first radio jockey as she operated a secret radio station through which she inspired countrymen to rise against the British," said theme artist Abhijit Ghatak.While some women were imprisoned, many sacrificed their lives for their country. "These women are the real embodiment of Goddess Durga. Like Maa defeated the evil Mahishashura, these women took up arms to defeat the evil British Empire. As we honour the women who, embodying Goddess Durga, have sacrificed their lives for the nation, it will make our worship of Maa Durga truly meaningful," stated Dipta Ghosh, chief organiser of Hatibagan Nabin Palli.The Quit India Movement was the largest organised nationwide movement to gain freedom from the British since the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857. The movement against the atrocities of the Empire, lasting from 1942 to 1944, deeply shook the 200-year-old British Raj in India. Three years after the movement concluded, the British were compelled to leave the country as India gained independence in 1947.In previous years, the Durga Puja at Nabin Pally has showcased Pakistan's truck art and Sukumar Ray's Abol Tabol, the iconic collection of Bengali children's poems and rhymes published in 1923.