Badal Gupta

Badal Gupta was a prominent Indian freedom fighter who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. He was born on December 18, 1899, in a small village called Khudiram Pally, which is now located in the Indian state of West Bengal. Badal Gupta was a multifaceted personality who was not only a revolutionary but also a writer and journalist. His contribution to India's freedom movement was immense, and he was one of the leading figures of the Bengal revolutionaries.

Early Life and Education:

Badal Gupta was born in a family of farmers, and his father's name was Shibdas Gupta. He received his primary education in the village school and later went to the Hare School in Kolkata. He was a brilliant student and excelled in academics. He was also interested in sports and used to participate in various sports events. After completing his schooling, he went to the Scottish Church College in Kolkata, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Science.

Revolutionary Activities:

Badal Gupta was drawn towards revolutionary activities during his college days. He was inspired by the revolutionary ideas of leaders like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Surya Sen. In 1923, he joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement.

However, he was disillusioned with the Congress' non-violent approach towards the British rule, and he joined the revolutionary group called the Jugantar. The group believed in armed struggle against the British rule and was involved in various revolutionary activities. Badal Gupta played a crucial role in organizing the group and was involved in various acts of sabotage against the British government.

The Battle of Chittagong:

One of the most significant events in Badal Gupta's life was the Battle of Chittagong. It was a revolutionary uprising against the British government in Chittagong, which is now located in Bangladesh. The plan was to seize the armory of the British government and use the weapons to overthrow the British rule.

Badal Gupta was one of the leaders of the revolutionary group that executed the plan. He was in charge of the communication system and was responsible for coordinating the activities of the group. The plan was executed on April 18, 1930, and the revolutionaries were successful in seizing the armory. However, the British government retaliated, and a fierce battle ensued.

The revolutionaries were heavily outnumbered, but they fought valiantly. Badal Gupta was seriously injured during the battle, but he managed to escape with a few other revolutionaries. The battle was a turning point in India's struggle for independence, and it inspired many young people to join the freedom movement.

Agitation and Controversy:

After the Battle of Chittagong, Badal Gupta went underground and continued to participate in revolutionary activities. He was involved in various acts of sabotage and was also involved in the Kakori Conspiracy. However, he was arrested by the British government in 1932 and was imprisoned for several years.

Badal Gupta was a controversial figure, and his revolutionary activities were criticized by many people. Some people believed that violence was not the answer to India's struggle for independence, while others believed that the revolutionaries were misguided and were only causing harm to innocent people.

Achievements and Contribution to Freedom:

Despite the controversy surrounding his revolutionary activities, Badal Gupta made significant contributions to India's struggle for independence. He was one of the leading figures of the Bengal revolutionaries and inspired many young people to join the freedom movement.

He was also a prolific writer and journalist and used his writing skills to spread awareness about the plight of the Indian people under the British rule. He wrote several articles and books, which were published in various newspapers and magazines.

Conclusion:

Badal Gupta passed away on August 13, 1934, while he was still in prison. He was only 34 years old at the time of his death, but his contribution to India's struggle for independence was immense. He was a brave and fearless revolutionary who fought against the British rule and inspired many young people to join the freedom movement.

Badal Gupta's legacy lives on, and he continues to be an inspiration to many people. His contribution to India's struggle for independence will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest revolutionaries of his time.