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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.)

The Nine-Euro Ticket–Our Journey Continues

Our explorations continued with the unforgettable 9-euro ticket, which we got immediately after COVID when we visited Germany. This special pass was valid across all local trains, buses, and trams—not the ICE or other high-speed trains—but it allowed us to travel freely across Germany and even to nearby border towns.


In my first article, I shared many of the places we discovered with this ticket. This is the second and final chapter of that adventure—a continuation of our explorations which truly opened Germany to us in ways we could never have imagined.


Our journey led us towards the Alps. From Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we took the cogwheel train to Grainau and strolled to Lake Eibsee—just steps from the station, yet a world apart. Nestled at the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, Eibsee is often called “an emerald in the Alps.”


Its crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding mountains, dotted with small wooded islands and gliding swans. The 7 km lakeside trail offers ever-changing views: emerald waters shimmering in sunlight, clouds drifting over peaks, and hidden nooks inviting quiet reflection.


Eibsee is perfect for adventure—canoeing, paddle boating, swimming in icy alpine spots, or capturing postcard views through a lens. Sitting by the shore, breathing the crisp mountain air, I watched the sunlight dance on turquoise waters and felt time pause. Dipping my hands into the icy lake was invigorating, a blessing of nature in its purest form.


Vibrant Bavarian capital

Our journey continued to Munich, a city that blends history, culture, and modern energy.


At Marienplatz, the central square, I stood in awe before the NeuesRathaus (New Town Hall), its Gothic Revival façade towering gracefully. The Frauenkirche, with twin copper-domed towers, and St. Peter’s Church, offering panoramic views, added layers of historic charm.


Tradition and history

Nearby, the legendary Hofbräuhaus brings Bavaria’s layered history to life. Once the venue where Hitler announced the Nazi Party’s 25-point program in 1920, it now thrives with Bavarian music, hearty food, and overflowing beer mugs—a living symbol of resilience and hospitality.


Olympiapark and BMW Welt

The Olympiapark, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, offered breathtaking views from the Olympic Tower and a chance to explore the iconic stadium.


Nearby, BMW Welt and Museum delighted car enthusiasts with vintage classics and futuristic innovations alike. Visitors can even rent BMW cars to drive around the city—a thrilling experience that brings the streets alive with energy.


Moritzburg: A fairytale castle

In Moritzburg, the fairytale-like Moritzburg Castle, surrounded by lakes and forests, stole our hearts. The still waters reflected the castle perfectly, creating a magical mirror image. During the royal fair, horse carriages, beautifully decorated, glide past the castle, evoking the elegance of bygone royal times. Watching them roll by felt like stepping directly into history.


A charming wine town

In Radebeul, cobblestone streets, historic houses, and neat gardens created a timeless charm. The Saxon Wine Route features Wackerbarth Castle & Winery. We enjoyed wine tastings and vineyard walks, as well as visiting the Karl May Museum that honours the famed author. For a unique touch, we travelled the Lößnitzgrundbahn steam railway, which links Radebeul to Moritzburg with open carriages and scenic views.


For a final adventure, we crossed over into Austria, arriving in Kufstein, the “Pearl of Tyrol.” A chairlift carried us to the well-preserved fortress with winding courtyards, secret passages, and historic rooms. From the top, sweeping views of the Inn Valley and alpine peaks made the world feel wide open. The fortress whispered of centuries past, while the town below radiated warmth. Standing in the crisp mountain breeze, I knew moments like these—shared in silence and awe—make travel unforgettable.


Reflections on the journey

Every place we explored—castles, lakes, alpine trails, charming towns, and vibrant cities—came together into one unforgettable journey. It felt even more meaningful after the long pause of COVID-19, when travel and togetherness were on hold.


In this field since 1999, I’ve spent 25 years exploring destinations and guiding travelers through remarkable experiences.


Visiting beautiful places and sharing stories with clients—whether seasoned travelers or first-timers—remains deeply fulfilling. Helping them feel at home wherever they go, while arranging every detail, ensures their journeys are seamless and memorable. The nine-euro ticket gave us the freedom to wander, discover, and create lasting memories. My message is simple: keep traveling, keep exploring—the world is full of wonders, and every journey enriches the soul.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com Views personal.)

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