West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid heartfelt tributes to freedom fighter Pritilata Waddedar on her martyrdom anniversary, describing her as a “heroic daughter of Bengal” who epitomized courage in India’s independence struggle. In a poignant post on X, Banerjee celebrated Bengal’s legacy as the birthplace of “countless fiery daughters,” naming other iconic women revolutionaries like Matangini Hazra, Kalpana Dutta, Bina Das, and Suniti Chowdhury. Their contributions, she emphasized, were pivotal to the freedom movement, underscoring Bengal’s indispensable role as its “backbone” in securing India’s liberation from British rule in 1947.

Pritilata Waddedar, a key figure in the 1932 Chittagong armoury raid led by Surya Sen, became a symbol of sacrifice when she consumed cyanide to evade capture after attacking a European club in Chittagong, now in Bangladesh. Her death at age 21 galvanized the revolutionary movement, inspiring generations with her defiance against colonial oppression. Banerjee’s tribute highlighted Waddedar’s resolve alongside other Bengali women who braved imprisonment, exile, and martyrdom, challenging gender norms and colonial authority in the early 20th century through armed resistance and civil disobedience.

The Chief Minister also spotlighted her government’s efforts to preserve this legacy through the Alipore Museum, dedicated to Bengal’s freedom fighters. Established under the Trinamool Congress administration, the museum serves as a repository of artifacts and narratives, honoring figures like Waddedar and Sen. Banerjee urged citizens to uphold the vision of unity and harmony these revolutionaries championed, especially amid contemporary debates over cultural and regional identities. Her remarks resonate as West Bengal prepares for Durga Puja, a festival celebrating feminine strength, mirroring the valor of these historical icons.

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Banerjee’s homage comes at a time when Kolkata is recovering from recent floods, with her administration balancing festive preparations and infrastructure restoration. By invoking Bengal’s revolutionary heritage, she seeks to inspire resilience and collective pride, reinforcing the state’s historical significance in shaping modern India. The tribute also subtly counters narratives diminishing regional contributions to the independence struggle, positioning Bengal as a crucible of courage and sacrifice that continues to inspire nation-building.

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