Kanaklata Barua was a brave young freedom fighter from Assam who sacrificed her life for India’s independence at a very young age. She was born on 22 December 1924 in Gohpur, Assam. From childhood, she was deeply influenced by the nationalist movement and inspired by the call for freedom.
Kanaklata Barua actively participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942, launched by Mahatma Gandhi to end British rule in India. At just 17 years old, she became a member of the local volunteer group (Mrityu Bahini), which encouraged fearless participation in the freedom struggle.
On 20 September 1942, Kanaklata Barua led a peaceful procession toward the Gohpur police station with the intention of hoisting the Indian national flag. Despite repeated warnings from British officials to stop, she courageously moved forward holding the flag high. British police opened fire on the unarmed protesters, and Kanaklata Barua was shot and killed on the spot. Even as she fell, she did not drop the national flag.
Her martyrdom deeply moved the nation and made her a symbol of youthful courage, patriotism, and sacrifice. Kanaklata Barua’s bravery showed that even young citizens were ready to give their lives for freedom.
Today, she is remembered as one of the youngest martyrs of India’s freedom struggle. Roads, institutions, and memorials in Assam are named after her, keeping alive the legacy of a fearless daughter of India.
