Sm. Bina Das stands among the most courageous women revolutionaries of Bengal whose life was defined by unyielding commitment, rare moral strength, and fearless defiance of colonial rule. At a time when Indian society largely confined women to domestic roles, Bina Das broke every barrier imposed by tradition and empire. Her life was not merely a chapter in the freedom movement but a powerful statement that courage and sacrifice know no gender. Remembered for her valiance and uncompromising dedication, she embodied the revolutionary spirit of Bengal in its most intense form.
Born in 1911 into an educated and nationalist Bengali family, Bina Das grew up in an atmosphere deeply influenced by the ideals of freedom, self respect, and resistance against British domination. Her parents were actively associated with social reform and nationalist activities, which left a lasting impact on her worldview. From an early age, she was drawn to the idea that freedom was not a gift to be begged for but a right to be seized through action. This belief shaped her transformation from a promising student into a revolutionary prepared to sacrifice everything for her country.
Bina Das received her education at Bethune College in Calcutta, one of the premier institutions for women at the time. While she excelled academically, her mind was increasingly occupied with the brutal realities of colonial oppression. She became associated with revolutionary circles and was deeply inspired by the sacrifices of earlier freedom fighters. For her, speeches and resolutions were insufficient responses to the cruelty and humiliation inflicted upon Indians. She believed that bold action was necessary to awaken a sleeping nation.
Her name became etched in history on February 6, 1932, during the convocation ceremony of Calcutta University. The British Governor of Bengal, Stanley Jackson, was present at the event, symbolizing imperial authority and arrogance. In an act of extraordinary daring, Bina Das attempted to assassinate the Governor as a political statement against colonial tyranny. Although the attempt failed and Jackson survived, the act sent shockwaves across British India. A young Bengali woman standing up with a revolver against the might of the empire shattered colonial assumptions about fear and submission.
Following her arrest, Bina Das faced trial and was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. She endured years of incarceration under harsh conditions, marked by physical suffering and mental isolation. Yet imprisonment did not break her spirit. Instead, it strengthened her resolve and deepened her ideological commitment. Even behind bars, she remained unrepentant, refusing to express regret for her actions. To her, the attempt on the Governor was not a crime but a moral duty performed in the name of national liberation.
Bina Das was not driven by personal anger or impulsive violence. Her revolutionary path was rooted in discipline, ideology, and a profound sense of responsibility toward her people. She believed that individual sacrifice could ignite collective courage. Her actions were meant to expose the moral bankruptcy of colonial rule and inspire Indians to overcome fear. In this sense, her life reflected the revolutionary tradition of Bengal, which emphasized self sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom.
After her release from prison, Bina Das continued to face hardship and neglect. Unlike many freedom fighters who later received recognition and comfort, her post independence life was marked by struggle and isolation. She remained committed to socialist ideals and worked for the upliftment of the marginalized. Despite her immense contribution, she lived her later years in relative obscurity, highlighting the tragic irony that the nation she fought for failed to adequately care for her.
The story of Sm. Bina Das is not merely about one dramatic act of defiance. It is about a life shaped by conscious choice, ideological clarity, and extraordinary bravery. She challenged both colonial power and societal expectations of women. Her valiance lay not only in pulling the trigger but in her readiness to face lifelong consequences without compromise. She accepted suffering as the price of freedom and never sought sympathy or reward.
Today, Bina Das remains a symbol of fearless resistance and uncompromising patriotism. Her legacy urges modern India to remember that freedom was built on the sacrifices of countless individuals who asked for nothing in return. In honoring Sm. Bina Das, we honor the revolutionary soul of Bengal and reaffirm the timeless truth that courage guided by conviction can shake even the strongest empires. Her unceremonious death took place in the month of December, 1986.
