Tribute to the Firebrand
In the annals of Indian revolutionary nationalism
Is carved many a name
Treading the bloody path to the altar of sacrifice.
Among the unsung, unhailed, names
Is Pritilata Waddedar, the first woman martyr
To rise from the heart of Bengal.
Blessed was our motherland on 5th May 1911
When Pritilata saw the light of day,
Her icon Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi
Fed her soul, fuelled her spirit,
Wedded her to a lifelong pledge of sacrifice
For the freedom of motherland from the British Raj.
Graduating from Bethune College Calcutta
There after a brief stint as schoolteacher,
She plunged headlong in the movement for freedom
Enrolling in the Indian Republican army of Surya Sen.
Finally came the clarion call from Surya Sen–
The gusty woman of Bengal became the chosen one
To spearhead a team in an attack
At Pahartali European club in Chittagong
Which notoriously upheld the racial discrimination on its walls,
“DOGS AND INDIANS NOT ALLOWED”
Fired by dogged determination
To avenge the Jallianwalah Bagh massacre,
A bruised scar in the consciousness of Indians
Pritilata with her band of revolutionaries
Plotted a retaliation, to storm the club
A midnight den of the white skinned.
On the eventful night 17th September 1932
Disguised in military attire with comrades
She dodged the eye of vigilance
Barged in the club, alive with laughter dance and merriment.
The band dissolved amidst wails and cries
The club resounded with volley of shots
As the white skinned denuded of their pride
Cowered at the feet of native valour.
Unfortunately, the brave heart with bullet injury
Rounded up in the encounter, refused to surrender
The invincible fighter consumed cyanide
Lay down her life for the motherland
A martyr shining in exuberance
At the age of only twenty one.