Independence Day History Series: Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle

Dear Indians, wherever you may call home today: whether you are living in India or have made a life abroad for work, studies or family; this Independence Day History Series is for each and every one of you. No matter where life has taken us, our shared history, our freedom and our love for India continue to unite us.

India's freedom was not won by a handful of great leaders alone. It was built on the courage, determination and sacrifices of thousands of men and women who dedicated their lives to the dream of an independent nation.

While some names have become an inseparable part of our history, many others never received the recognition they truly deserved. "Unsung" doesn't always mean completely forgotten. Sometimes it simply means a hero who is remembered in a particular region, community or by history enthusiasts, but whose contribution has never been appreciated across the country. A revolutionary like Rash Behari Bose, for instance, is a household name to many in Bengal, yet countless Indians know little about the remarkable role he played in India's freedom movement.

This thread is dedicated to those extraordinary individuals whose stories deserve to be heard by every Indian.

Who, according to you, is an unsung hero of India's freedom struggle? It could be a revolutionary, a tribal leader, a woman freedom fighter, a social reformer, a journalist, a poet or someone from your own state whose contribution is often overlooked. Tell us about the person you chose, what they did for the nation and why you believe every Indian should know their story.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let us look beyond the familiar pages of history and honour those whose sacrifices quietly strengthened the foundations of our freedom. Every forgotten story we rediscover is another tribute to the countless brave souls who helped shape the India we proudly call our home.

This is the first thread in our Independence Day History Series. Over the next two weeks, we'll explore eight thought-provoking discussions on the people, events, ideas and sacrifices that shaped India's journey to freedom. A new topic will be posted every two days as we count down to 15th August.

We look forward to reading your choices and discovering the heroes who deserve a place in every Indian's memory.

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

Tagging some more and inviting you all to take part in this special series' discussion.

Among the many lesser-known heroes of India’s freedom struggle, I would choose Kanaklata Barua, a courageous young freedom fighter from Assam. Her story deserves to be remembered because she proved that patriotism is not measured by age, but by courage and sacrifice.

Kanaklata joined the Quit India Movement of 1942 when she was still a teenager. On 20 September 1942, at just 17 years of age, she led a procession of unarmed freedom fighters towards the Gohpur police station with the aim of hoisting the Indian national flag. Despite warnings from the police, she refused to turn back. Holding the flag proudly, she continued to march forward and was shot dead. Even in the face of danger, she chose her country over her own life.

What makes Kanaklata Barua remarkable is the simplicity and bravery of her sacrifice. She was neither a powerful political leader nor an experienced revolutionary. She was an ordinary young girl with an extraordinary determination to see her country free.

I believe every Indian, especially every young person, should know her story. Kanaklata Barua reminds us that freedom was won not only by famous leaders whose names appear in our textbooks, but also by countless ordinary Indians who displayed extraordinary courage. Remembering such unsung heroes is one way of ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Jawaharlal Nehru

I know many may not agree but for me it's Jawaharlal Nehru who worked for the country before and after independence. It's not easy to lead a huge country when India gained freedom, establish relations with Neighbours, lay policies, manage internal issues etc.

Before Independence -

Jawaharlal Nehru made vital contributions to India's freedom struggle by leading the push for Purna Swaraj, mobilizing the youth and masses alongside Mahatma Gandhi, and spending over 3,000 days in British jails. He shaped the Indian National Congress toward radical and socialist principles while connecting India's struggle to the global fight against imperialism.

Key Leadership and Movements

Purna Swaraj (1929): Led the historic Lahore session as Congress President, declaring complete independence as India's formal goal.

Mass Mobilization: Actively drove the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), Salt Satyagraha (1930), and moved the Quit India resolution in 1942.

Peasant and Worker Rights: Organized early grassroots resistance, including the first Kisan march in Pratapgarh (1920).

Personal Sacrifice: Suffered multiple arrests, spending a cumulative total of over nine years in prison.

After Independence -

Political and Global Vision

Socialist Ideology: Urged the party to adopt economic justice and socialist goals during the 1936 Lucknow session.

International Outlook: Built solidarity with global anti-colonial movements and gave the Indian freedom struggle an international platform.

Constitutional Foundation: Paved the way for independent governance by moving the Objectives Resolution in the Constituent Assembly.

What he has not cannot be listed in the entirety here. Current leaders always criticize him but it was not easy to lead such a big nation and bring it to a stable form.

It's good to read the stories of many freedom fighters and their contribution to the struggle. The credit for freedom doesn't go to one or two individuals. It goes to all those people who fought for their country and people's rights for many many years.

I remember when I was a kid my grandmother once told me the story of a 12 year old boy from Odisha who was a boatboy by profession. He refused to let a British soldier sit in his boat hence was shot dead. Little boy but still his contribution and sacrifice was big. My grandmother didn't knew that child's name. Years later I searched for that child's name in the internet and found it. His name was Baji Raut.