Why in the news?

• Lok Sabha paid floral tribute to freedom fighter Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, on his birth anniversary (November 5).

Chittaranjan Das

• Other Name: Deshbandhu – “Friend of the Nation”
• Early Life
  • Born in 1870 in Bikrampur (now in Bangladesh).
  • Educated at University of Calcutta; later studied law in England.
  • Rose to prominence as a barrister in Calcutta, using his profession for national service.
• Legal Role in National Movement
  • Defended Aurobindo Ghosh in the Alipore Bomb Case (1908) — a landmark political trial; his defence made him a national figure.
  • Also acted as defence counsel in the Dacca Conspiracy Case (1910–11).
• Roles Paid in the Freedom Struggle 
  • Non-Cooperation Movement (1919–1922): Actively participated under Gandhi’s leadership; promoted boycott of British institutions and goods.
  • President, Indian National Congress (Gaya Session – 1922): Advocated constructive swaraj and national self-reliance within the framework of Gandhian ideals.
  • Organisation Formed: Co-founded the Swaraj Party (1923) with Motilal Nehru and Vithalbhai Patel.
  • Civic Leadership: First elected Mayor of Calcutta (1924) – initiated urban reforms
• Literary Work:
  • Newspaper: Founded Forward (later renamed Liberty) — Subhas Chandra Bose served as its editor.
  • Books and Essays: India for Indians and Freedom Through Disobedience — reflecting his vision of self-rule through moral courage and discipline.
• Death: July 16, 1925