Independence Day 2018: Lets Remember These 5 Unsung Freedom Fighters of India who Sacrificed Their Lives

The nation is gearing up to celebrate the successful day in the history of India. 15th August, unfurling the tricolour flag our country was reborn. Many people and their countless sacrifices have gained India independence from the brutal Britishers rule. On Independence Day, we remember and honour our freedom fighters as best as we can. But there are many names whose contributions we have not even heard. The names do not appear in the Indian history and hence has been lost over the years. They selflessly laid their lives for the country so that the countrymen can lead a carefree life. As India will celebrate the 72nd Independence Day, here we are five unsung freedom fighters who fought fearlessly with the enemies to give us independence. Best Patriotic Addresses to Make in School and Celebrate 15th August 2018. 

Veerapandiya Kattabomman (February 2, 1760, to October 16, 1799)

Veerapandiya Kattabomman was an 18th-century Palayakarrar and chieftain in South India. Born in Panchalankurichi in Tamil Nadu, he refused to accept the sovereignty of the British East India Company and waged war against them. Sensing threats, on October 16, 1799, he was captured by the British with the help of the ruler of Pudukottai Kingdom, Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman and was hanged publically at Kayathar. To commemorate his sacrifice, the Government of India released a postal stamp on October 16, 1999.

Rani Velu Nachiyar (January 3, 1730, to December 25, 1796)

Rani Velu Nachiyar was a queen of Sivaganga estate, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. She was the first queen to fight against the British colonial power in India. In Tamil, she is known as Veeramangai meaning brave woman. Much before Sepoy Mutiny or Rani of Jhansi, Velu Nachiyar emerged. One of the most daring in the history of freedom fighters in India, when she found the place where the British stored their ammunition, she walked into the store drenching in oil and lighted herself to destroy the arms.

Tirot Sing (1802 to July 17, 1835)

In the early 19th century, Tirot Sing was one of the chefs of the Khasi people. Untrained in British type of warfare, he resorted to the guerrilla activity which continued for four years. Singh fought against the British attempts to take over control of the Khasi Hills. He was shot and eventually captured in January 1833 by the Britishers. His death anniversary is honoured in Meghalaya as U Tirot Sing Day.

Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820 to April 1879)

Begum Hazrat Mahal, popularly known as Begum of Awadh was the second wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. After her husband had been exiled to Calcutta, Begum Hazrat took charge of the state affairs and seized control of Lucknow. Begum Hazrat was forced to abandon her role. During the Indian Mutiny 1857, she rebelled against the British East India Company. She later found shelter in Nepal and died in 1879.

Tiruppur Kumaran (October 4, 1904, to January 11, 1932)

Born to a small family, Tiruppur Kumaran was a native of Chennimalai, presently Erode, Tamil Nadu. Inspired by Gandhi’s principles and ideals, when the independence movement was gaining momentum in the country, Kumaran began to participate in the demonstrations announced by Gandhi. He was one of the young participating revolutionaries. In 1932, Kumar organised a protest march against the Britishers. He was carrying the Indian National Flag, which the British officials banned. Being repeatedly beaten, Kumaran held on to the Indian Flag. He fell into faint before dying but gripped the Indian flag, ensuring it did not fall to the ground. His heroic spirit gained him the title of Kodi Kaatha Kumaran—Kumaran, the saviour of the national flag.

These were few out of many unsung freedom fighters in India whose unlimited contributions are missing in the Indian history. There are so many others whose names have been lost to anonymity. On the occasion of Independence Day 2018, let us make an effort to recognise and remember our heroes.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2018 02:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).