Chittaranjan Das
Chittaranjan Das (5 November 1870 – 16 June 1925) was affectionately known as ‘Deshbandhu’ (Friend of the Nation).He was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, political leader, and lawyer from Bengal. He played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence and was a mentor to leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Early Life and Education:
- i) He was born into a respected Bengali Baidya family in Calcutta (now Kolkata.
- ii) He pursued his education at the London Missionary Society’s Institution in Bhawanipur and later graduated from Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1890.
iii) Subsequently, he traveled to England to study law at the Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in 1894.
Legal Career: Das gained prominence as a lawyer when he successfully defended Aurobindo Ghosh in the Alipore Bomb Case of 1909, showcasing his legal acumen and commitment to the nationalist cause.
Political Involvement
- i) A staunch advocate for India’s independence, Das was actively involved in the Indian National Congress (INC).
- ii) He supported the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi and was elected President of the INC during its Gaya session in 1922.
iii) However, due to differences over council entry strategies, he resigned from the presidency and, along with Motilal Nehru, founded the Swaraj Party in 1923 to advocate for greater self-governance.
Contributions to Communal Harmony: Das initiated the Bengal Pact in 1923 understanding the economic disparities between Hindu and Muslim communities in Bengal.
This agreement aimed to address communal tensions by ensuring proportional representation in legislative bodies and government jobs, promoting unity and cooperation among different communities.
Literary Pursuits: Beyond his political and legal endeavors, Das was also a distinguished Bengali poet. He authored several works, including “Malancha,” “Mala,” and “Sagar Sangeet,” reflecting his literary talent and deep appreciation for Bengali culture.
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