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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.)

Mumbai to Denver: Reunions, Diversity and Shared Humanity

Updated: Jan 6, 2025

This is the first in a series of my insightful journeys across the USA, where each destination unveils a story of connection, reflection, and discovery.

Mumbai to Denver

In 2022, my wife, Sharmila, and I embarked on our first trip to America to visit our son. Coincidentally, it was Sharmila's 50th birthday, and her long-held dream of travelling abroad was finally fulfilled. I was delighted to see her wish come true.


Our elder son, Shubhankar, has been living in America for six years, first for education and then for work. We had been closely following his journey and struggles over the past six years. Finally, we had the opportunity to live with him in America.


After his marriage, we had a strong desire to celebrate festivals like Diwali and Dussehra with him and his family. Being their first year of celebration post-wedding, it was essential for us to be with them.


After making all the necessary pre-travel arrangements and preparing for nearly three to four weeks, we completed our journey from Mumbai to Denver, covering over 30-36 hours, including layovers in London. Many people offered advice before our trip, cautioning us about the differences we would encounter.


During our flights with British Airways, the round-earth map display showed our flight's direction. It was fascinating to see the sun's position change as we traveled. We arrived in London in the morning, and by the time we reached Denver, it was evening. Despite the nine-hour journey, we still witnessed the sunset. The experience was surreal as if we were observing the Earth outside its orbit. The vast distance between India and Denver, spanning nearly 30 hours, was awe-inspiring. It was amusing to see the earth rotate, with day and night playing a continuous game as we travelled across continents.


As I reflected on this journey, I realised that despite our differences, people worldwide are connected by our shared humanity. We're all children of Mother Earth, striving to live better lives under the watchful eyes of the sun and moon.


This feeling was reinforced during my trip to America. As we approached Denver, I felt an overwhelming urge to reunite with our son and daughter-in-law.


Frankly, I was overjoyed and didn't even realise when I completed the immigration formalities. Meeting our loved ones in person was a thrilling experience, one that made the long journey worthwhile.


As the plane's announcement declared our impending arrival in Denver, the fatigue of our nine-hour journey dissipated. Gazing out the window, I beheld a vast plateau, and upon landing, numerous planes ready for takeoff came into view. Despite being a major international airport, Denver International Airport was surprisingly uncrowded, and the soft evening sunlight added to the ambiance. As we proceeded to immigration, Shubhankar's call brought back fond memories. When he was young, we would take him to the garden to play, where he would ride a merry-go-round horse and cheerfully greet us with a 'ta-ta' as he passed by. Now, as we reunited in Denver, the same joy and warmth of our hugs were rekindled.


After landing, we took several photos at the airport before departing for home in Shubhankar's car. I couldn't help but notice the similarities between Denver and Johannesburg, South Africa – both situated at high elevations, boasting expansive plateaus, clean roads, and remarkably similar airport surroundings.


As an Indian, I found Denver's unique location fascinating – situated in the middle of the western United States, far from the familiar East or West Coasts. At an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level, Denver surpasses even Kullu Manali in India. The Rocky Mountain range, stretching from Canada to North and South America, roughly divides the United States in two. Denver lies in the eastern part of this range, making it an attractive destination for travellers.


The Rocky Mountain National Park offers numerous treks, adventure sports, breathtaking sky viewing, and stargazing opportunities, drawing many visitors. Denver also boasts a rich history, having produced the second President of the United States after John F. Kennedy, Thomas Jefferson. The Rocky Mountain Range holds significant importance in American culture, even being mentioned in the national anthem.


During my stay in Denver, I cherished quality time with my family and reaffirmed that, despite cultural differences, people share a common humanity. Whether in America or India, we all inhabit the same earth, strive for similar goals, and find joy in serving our planet unconditionally. The sun, moon, and stars shine brightly, regardless of our geographical location.


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

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