Why in the news?

  • November 18 marked the Birth Anniversary of Batukeshwar Dutt.

Batukeshwar Dutt

  • Birth: Born on 18 November 1910 in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal.
  • Role in Indian Freedom Struggle:
    • Association with HSRA:
      • Joined HSRA led by Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sukhdev, and others.
      • Advocated revolutionary methods against British colonial rule.
    • Central Legislative Assembly Bombing, 1929:
      • Along with Bhagat Singh, threw non-lethal, smoke bombs in the Assembly in Delhi.
      • The objective was to protest against repressive bills like the Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill.
      • The act was symbolic- intended “To make the deaf hear”.
      • Both courted arrest, shouting: “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Down with Imperialism.”
    • Imprisonment:
      • Charged under the Lahore Conspiracy Case.
      • Sentenced to life imprisonment (transportation for life).
      • Sent to Cellular Jail (Kala Pani), Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
      • Undertook hunger strikes to improve prison conditions for political prisoners.
  • Later Life:
    • Released in 1938 due to ill health.
    • Participated in the Quit India Movement (1942) and got arrested again.
  • Death: Died on 20 July 1965 in AIIMS, New Delhi.