Fiercely Feminine: From Aruna Asaf Ali to Matangini Hazra, 5 women who led the Quit India Movement

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

India to an end, through the slogan ‘Do Or Die’. This slogan, which was raised at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee on 9 August 1942, signalled the beginning of one of the most powerful anti-colonial movements in the world — the Quit India Movement (also known as the Bharat Chhoro Andolan). The ‘Do Or Die’ slogan galvanised the masses to a nationwide protest. However, the leaders soon got arrested. That didn’t stall the protest in the least. People took to the streets, destroying railway lines, and police stations were set ablaze. However, the role of women in keeping the protests going on despite innumerable obstacles and open hostility from the British government is often overlooked.

In the essay, ‘Participation Of Women in India’s Freedom Movement: With Special Reference To Quit India Movement’, Dr. Harish Chandra described that aside from participating enthusiastically in protests and picketing, women also held camps where “they were trained in civic duties and first aid, enlightened on democracy and the Indian constitution, as well as lathi and drill.” Many women also went underground and led the revolution. According to D Ramanjineyulu (‘A Critical View On Role Of Women In The Quit India Movement’), women were often the victims of police brutality. British officials often barged into houses and assaulted the womenfolk. Here are some of the most prominent women leaders who played a big role in motivating the masses to fight the might of the British Raj and preventing the movement from dying prematurely.

“This is the Congress Radio calling from 42.34 metres from somewhere in India…” The Quit India Revolution found its voice in the