Pritilata Waddedar

Pritilata Waddedar, born on May fifth, nineteen eleven, was a prominent Bengali revolutionary nationalist hailing from Chittagong, now part of Bangladesh. She played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and is often celebrated as Bengal's first woman martyr.

Her educational journey began at Dr. Khastagir Government Girls' High School in Chittagong, followed by Eden Mohila College in Dhaka. Pritilata graduated with a degree in philosophy from Bethune College in Calcutta. After completing her studies, she worked as a school teacher for a brief period before immersing herself in the struggle for India's independence.

In nineteen thirty-two, Pritilata joined a revolutionary group led by Surya Sen. That September, she orchestrated an armed attack on the Pahartali European Club, where her group set the club ablaze and opened fire, resulting in one fatality and eleven injuries. This bold act was a testament to her commitment to the cause of freedom.

As the colonial police closed in on her, Pritilata chose to end her life on her own terms, consuming potassium cyanide as previously planned. Her sacrifice remains a poignant symbol of courage and dedication in the fight for independence.