freedom fighter

Popularly revered as 'Rani', Gaidinliu was a political and spiritual leader of the Zeliangrong people of the Northeast. She led the revolt against the British rule at a young age of 13 and was imprisoned for 14 years.

While official records of his life remain sparse for the most part, the Sikkimese government recognised Trilochan Pokhrel’s contributions with the LD Kazi Award for Democratic Movement in 2018.

The contributions of personalities from the Northeast are often left out when we speak about Independence Day. In our own way, let us right this oversight this time.

In these fearful times, let us remember the efforts of these forgotten heroes, who proved pandemics can be overcome

“I yearned for my mother’s lap, cried myself to sleep every night, and dreaded the mornings. But Netaji said this is just the beginning. Desh ki ladai main jaana hai toh himmat rakho,” says Rama Khandwala.

Heard about the famous 'Red Fort Trials'? Shah Nawaz Khan was one of the three INA heroes who stood in the dock for the first of these trials

Single-handedly taking on the might of the British Empire, Rani Chennamma redefined empowerment, bravery and feminism in an era when women were expected to stay indoors.

Streaking like a meteor on the anti-colonial nationalist sky, Alluri Sitarama Raju famously led the violent Rampa Rebellion against the British for their imposition of the 1882 Madras Forest Act, which restricted the local tribal community's access to the forests. #ForgottenHeroes

Parbati Giri was just 16 when she fought the British Raj at the forefront of the Quit India. And she didn't stop serving her country even after Independence, going on to become a guardian angel for orphans and destitute people. #ForgottenHeroes #IndianIndependence

Somehow, history tends to forget its heroines, their faces are forgotten, and their bravery remains unsung. Gulab Kaur is one such heroine, a woman whose exceptional courage and sacrifice deserve to be remembered by the country she fought for.