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By:

Anusreeta Dutta

26 April 2026 at 1:22:24 pm

Forgotten Heroines, Living Injustice

The neglect of Bengal’s women revolutionaries mirrors a deeper failure to uphold the dignity and rights of women in the state today. Matangini Hazra featured on an Indian Stamp Bengali women have played a decisive role in shaping movements of resistance, reform and revolution throughout India’s long and complex history. Their contributions have been profound and transformative, from the anti-colonial struggle to social reform movements. But in modern narratives, these contributions are often...

Forgotten Heroines, Living Injustice

The neglect of Bengal’s women revolutionaries mirrors a deeper failure to uphold the dignity and rights of women in the state today. Matangini Hazra featured on an Indian Stamp Bengali women have played a decisive role in shaping movements of resistance, reform and revolution throughout India’s long and complex history. Their contributions have been profound and transformative, from the anti-colonial struggle to social reform movements. But in modern narratives, these contributions are often overshadowed, diluted or erased. More disturbing still are the continuing social stigmas that marginalise women, especially in rural and vulnerable communities, through accusations of black magic and witchcraft. This double injustice reflects a greater contradiction in society: a nation that once depended on its women's bravery is now unable to protect their dignity. Grim Reality Branding women as practitioners of black magic is not some archaic superstition of the past. That is the grim reality in parts of Bengal and throughout eastern India. Women, especially widows, the elderly and those living alone, are particularly vulnerable. Such accusations are rarely driven by sincere belief alone, but are often tools of control, fuelled by disputes over property, personal vendettas or deeply ingrained patriarchal norms. Women who assert their independence, question authority or simply exist outside prescribed social roles are easy targets. Once marked, they suffer terrible consequences: public humiliation, physical violence, social ostracism and, in extreme cases, death. This is a manifestation of systemic gender injustice. It exposes the latent misogyny embedded in social institutions, often cloaked as cultural or traditional belief. The society that once deified women as icons of strength and sacrifice now dehumanises them. The contradiction is jarring and disturbing, raising important questions about the values that underpin modern social attitudes. Compounding this ongoing injustice is the gradual erasure of Bengali women’s contribution to India's freedom struggle. Figures such as Matangini Hazra, who fearlessly marched with the national flag and was shot dead by the British while chanting “Vande Mataram,” and Pritilata Waddedar, who led an armed attack on colonial establishments and chose martyrdom over capture, rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Kalpana Dutta, Bina Das and hundreds of unnamed women risked their lives, endured imprisonment and sacrificed everything for the cause of independence. These women were not merely passive participants or symbolic figures, but leaders, strategists and revolutionaries. They worked within and beyond the constraints of their time, challenging both colonial authority and patriarchal norms. They were not supporting actors but played an essential role in shaping the direction and intensity of the freedom movement. Their bravery was not only inspirational but radical and transformative, expanding the very possibilities for women’s participation in public life. Memories Erased Yet today, their stories are disappearing from textbooks, public debate and national memory. Their exclusion from the mainstream historical narrative is part of a broader pattern of marginalising women's contributions. While male leaders are memorialised through statues, institutions and collective memory, many of these women remain confined to footnotes or local remembrance. This selective remembrance is not accidental but reflects a historical narrative that continues to privilege certain voices over others. The contrast between past and present is deeply unsettling. Bengal has a proud tradition of women who fought courageously against injustice and oppression. Yet many women today continue to be humiliated, violated and marginalised through false accusations and systemic neglect. This disconnect reveals how far society has drifted from the values it once claimed to uphold. Pritilata Wadeddar When the stories of these women are erased, society loses powerful examples of resilience and agency. Young people are growing up without seeing role models who look like them or come from where they come from. The invisibility of women’s contributions reinforces the notion that their work is secondary or inconsequential, perpetuating cycles of inequality and exclusion. Addressing this requires more than token recognition. It demands a conscious and sustained effort to restore Bengali women to their rightful place in India’s historical and cultural imagination. Educational curricula must incorporate their stories in a meaningful and comprehensive manner. Public spaces should celebrate their legacy through monuments, museums and commemorations that are widely accessible. The media and cultural institutions must also bring these stories to a wider audience. Urgent measures are also needed to end the continuing violence against women accused of witchcraft. Existing laws must be enforced more effectively and strengthened where necessary to protect vulnerable individuals. Community-level awareness campaigns can help dispel harmful beliefs and promote critical thinking. Grassroots interventions, led by local leaders and civil society organisations, are essential to dismantle the structures that allow such practices to persist. But legal and institutional measures alone will not suffice. Society itself must undergo a change in mindset. Women must be regarded as individuals with rights, dignity and agency, not as suspects or objects of control. We must recognise and honour in the present the same courage and determination displayed by Bengali women during the freedom struggle. India cannot claim to respect its past while remaining indifferent to the injustices of the present. Bengali women’s voices helped shape India’s path to freedom and continue to influence its social fabric. Now is the time to hear those voices again - not as faint echoes from a distant past, but as powerful reminders of what justice, courage and dignity truly mean today. (The writer is a columnist with experience in political research analysis. Views personal.)

Exploring the Rockies: Scenic Drives, Charming Towns, and Majestic Views

Updated: Jan 8, 2025

Part Three

We explored Lakewood and the Rockies, enjoying serene lakes, vibrant landscapes, and Colorado's natural splendour.

Colorado

The United States emerged as a global power after World War II, maintaining its leadership role following the decline of the British Empire and the digital revolution. To protect its interests, the U.S. has intervened in various countries, often causing chaos and regime change. In contrast, India has avoided such actions, even during the Cold War, due to its strength and natural resources, never becoming entirely dependent on the U.S. like neighbouring Pakistan and South Korea.


Both nations share a genuine democracy, bringing them closer, especially since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. Cooperation is growing across business, technology, human resources, and cultural exchange.

Despite diverse languages, cultures, and traditions, India and the U.S. remain united. While the eastern, western, and southern U.S. states are distinct, the remaining states resemble India’s underdeveloped regions, struggling with modernity.


Both nations face challenges from religious traditions, rituals, and social norms, as seen in the recent abortion controversy in America, which would likely draw global criticism if similar issues arose in India. Additionally, America grapples with racism and prejudice, particularly against immigrants.


Exploring Lakewood and the Rockies

Lakewood, a charming area in Denver, Colorado, was our home. Crown Hill and Sloan's Lake, key landmarks, feature pristine waters, scenic trails, and well-maintained roads, offering a peaceful oasis within the city. Their natural beauty attracts visitors eager to witness the stunning sunrises and sunsets, with the evening sky’s kaleidoscope of colours being an unforgettable sight.


We also enjoyed sampling local beers at the historic brewery by Sloan's Lake. Nearby shopping destinations, such as Colorado Mills Mall, Target, Costco, and Walmart, were just a 15-20 minute drive from Lakewood. We often strolled through these supermarkets, relishing the experience. The mall was a major attraction, with ample parking, manageable crowds, and multiple products.


On our first Saturday in America, we set off early to explore the majestic Rocky Mountains and nearby attractions. The 30-minute drive from Lakewood to Golden was breathtaking at sunrise, with wide, four-lane roads allowing speeds up to 100-120 km/h for an exhilarating drive. The scenic route featured vast plateaus, rolling hills, and springs along the road, while aspen trees, ablaze with autumn colours of yellow, gold, and red, shimmered in the sunlight, creating a picturesque landscape.


The trip to the Rocky Mountains was unforgettable, with stunning views, a deer sighting, and a herd of cows. Navigating the mountain ranges required impressive skill, contrasting Uttarakhand's winding roads. Shubhankar earned full marks for his driving! On our first day, we visited the Golden Farmers Market and the nearby quaint Tumdar village, whose beautiful bungalows and serene surroundings resembled a European village. Golden is truly a charming town.


We explored Boulder and were welcomed by the impressive University of Boulder campus, where many Indian students are enrolled. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains foothills, north of Denver, Boulder is a captivating city. Its weekly market attracts large crowds, creating a lively shopping atmosphere.


The experience reminded me of my 1998 visit to Yorkshire, England, with weekend crowds and street performers playing various music genres.


We made sure to visit Dushanbe, a renowned tea restaurant. This unique Russian-Persian-Kazakhstani-themed teahouse offers a wide variety of international teas and an immersive experience. I'd never seen a tea house of this scale before. We ended the day strolling through Pearl Street Mall and the stunning Boulder Falls.


On Sunday morning, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park, a top Denver attraction. After a 2.5-hour drive from Denver through Boulder and Estes Park, we arrived at the park, which spans around 1,000 acres and is a must-visit for travellers from the US and beyond. The park offers a stunning mix of nature, mountains, lakes, diverse bird species, and wildlife. The mountain ranges, reaching 10,000 to 14,500 feet, are ideal for trekking. Several campsites are available, but due to a delay in obtaining our pass, we explored an alternative trail ridge on the opposite side.


The mountain ranges, rising around 12,000 feet, were ablaze with vibrant autumn colours, offering stunning views at every turn. The vast sky, crisp air, and snow-capped peaks created an ethereal atmosphere. As we walked along the deserted road, the sheer majesty of nature made us feel infinitesimally small.


This humbling experience reminded us to stay grounded yet proud of our essence. The Rocky Mountains embodied this spirit, resilient against nature’s forces. We witnessed nature's delicate balance, with alpine trees overtaking aspen trees, which stood defiant in the wind, their colourful foliage unyielding.


This perpetual dance of nature is a must-experience. Shubhankar and Ragini, who have visited this area 15-20 times, have developed a profound appreciation for nature. Through stargazing, camping, and trekking, they’ve cultivated humility and maturity, much like the mountains themselves.


(The author is a director of a company. He has travelled extensively across India and overseas.)

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