Kolkata, Sep 29
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday paid homage to freedom fighter Matangini Hazra on her death anniversary, while underlining Bengal's historic role in India's independence movement.
Since the time the Chief Minister and her party, Trinamool Congress, had initiated a sustained movement against the alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people from West Bengal in BJP-ruled states, she had been focusing on highlighting the contribution of Bengal and Bengalis in the Indian freedom movement.
"On the martyrdom day of Shaheed Matangini Hazra, I offer my heartfelt respect and salutations to this freedom fighter, an embodiment of boundless courage. Her self-sacrifice stands as a shining example in our history of independence. The undivided Midnapore district was a pioneer in the country's freedom struggle. And Bengal was the cradle of the independence movement, where countless fiery daughters and sons like Matangini Hazra instilled tremors of fear in the mighty foreign empire through their fervor and valor," the Chief Minister said in a social media statement on Monday.
Linking the tribute to her wider political messaging, Banerjee reiterated that Bengal and Bengalis made immense contributions to the freedom struggle, a point she has often stressed since launching her campaign against alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states.
The Chief Minister also listed the state government's initiatives to honour Hazra's memory. She noted that a statue of the martyr has been installed at her Alinagar residence in East Midnapore's Shaheed Matangini Block, and that a dedicated museum showcasing her life and belongings was set up in 2022. Banerjee herself inaugurated the museum, which now draws regular visitors.
"I myself inaugurated this museum in 2022. Various personal items used by her are also on display in this museum. Many people now come to visit this museum. In our Alipur Museum as well, we have remembered Shaheed Matangini Hazra with reverence," the Chief Minister added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate remembering our freedom fighters, I wish politicians wouldn't use these occasions for political messaging. Every state contributed to our freedom struggle - this isn't about one region vs another. Let's honor all martyrs equally.
As someone living in Kolkata, I visited the Matangini Hazra museum last month. It's beautifully maintained and really brings her story to life. More Indians should know about such brave women freedom fighters beyond the usual names we read in textbooks.
Bengal truly was the cradle of our independence movement! From Netaji to Matangini Hazra, the contribution is immense. But let's not forget freedom fighters from Punjab, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and other states too. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Matangini Hazra's story is so inspiring - a grandmother who became a revolutionary! We need to teach our children about such heroes. The museum initiative is wonderful, but I hope similar recognition comes to freedom fighters from all communities and regions.
Living in India for 5 years now, I'm constantly amazed by the depth of our freedom struggle history. Stories like Matangini Hazra's show how ordinary people did extraordinary things. The museum sounds like a meaningful tribute.
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