Pritilata Waddedar - Biography

Early Life

Pritilata Waddedar was born on May 5, 1911, in Dhalghat village, Chittagong, British India (now in Bangladesh). She belonged to a middle-class Bengali family. Despite facing financial constraints, her parents emphasized the value of education.

Activism

Pritilata was deeply influenced by the Indian independence movement and the efforts to overthrow British rule. She joined the Indian nationalist movement at a young age and became associated with the Jugantar group, a revolutionary organization in Bengal.

Attack on Pahartali European Club

One of Pritilata's most notable acts of defiance was the attack on the Pahartali European Club on September 23, 1932. She led a group of revolutionaries in an attempt to destroy the symbol of British colonialism. Although the attack failed to achieve its objectives, it gained significant attention and elevated Pritilata's status as a freedom fighter.

Martyrdom

Following the failed attack, Pritilata and her comrades were pursued by the British police. Rather than surrendering, she chose to embrace martyrdom. On September 24, 1932, she consumed cyanide to avoid capture and interrogation. She was only 21 years old at the time of her death.

Legacy

Pritilata Waddedar's sacrifice and bravery made her a symbol of courage and resistance against colonial oppression. She continues to be revered as a national hero in Bangladesh and India. Her life and contributions are commemorated through various memorials, including statues, monuments, and educational institutions named in her honor.