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Chittaranjan Das, popularly known as Deshbandhu (Friend of the Nation), was a towering figure in the Indian freedom movement. A gifted lawyer, passionate nationalist, eloquent orator, and a visionary leader, he dedicated his life to the cause of India’s independence and social upliftment. His contributions to the political awakening of Bengal and the larger Indian freedom struggle earned him a revered place in the pantheon of Indian leaders.

Early Life and Education

Chittaranjan Das was born on 5th November 1870 in a well-known and affluent Bengali family in Calcutta (now Kolkata), in the Bengal Presidency of British India. His father, Bhuban Mohan Das, was a solicitor and journalist. The family had strong ties to the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist movement that promoted monotheism and social change. Growing up in an environment that valued education, intellectual debate, and patriotism, Chittaranjan was deeply influenced by liberal ideals.

He received his early education at the Presidency College in Calcutta, where he excelled in academics and developed a keen interest in literature and law. Later, he went to England to study law at the Inner Temple in London, where he came into contact with early Indian nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji and Sister Nivedita.

Legal Career and Rise to Fame

Upon returning to India, Chittaranjan Das began his career as a barrister in the Calcutta High Court. His reputation as a brilliant and fearless lawyer quickly spread. However, the defining moment in his legal career came in 1908, when he defended Sri Aurobindo Ghose, who was charged in the Alipore Bomb Case. Das’s spirited defense led to Aurobindo’s acquittal and earned him national acclaim.

Despite his success in law, Das remained deeply committed to India’s political emancipation. He began to align more closely with the Indian National Congress and gradually withdrew from active legal practice to focus on nationalist activities.

Political Journey and Leadership

Das officially entered the political arena during the non-cooperation movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. However, he had been associated with the Swadeshi Movement much earlier, actively promoting indigenous goods and boycotting British products.

As a leader, he advocated for a blend of constitutional methods and mass movement. In 1921, during the peak of the non-cooperation movement, Chittaranjan Das was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress at its Ahmedabad session. His speeches inspired thousands to join the struggle for independence.

However, Das differed with Gandhi on the strategy of boycotting legislative councils. He believed that working within the system would enable Indians to obstruct British rule more effectively. This ideological difference led to the formation of the Swaraj Party in 1923, along with Motilal Nehru. The party aimed to enter legislative councils and voice nationalist demands from within the government apparatus.

Under Das’s leadership, the Swaraj Party gained significant traction, especially in Bengal. The party’s electoral success in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1923 demonstrated the potential of constitutional resistance. Das proved that political opposition could be staged even within colonial institutions, without compromising nationalist ideals.

Social Reforms and Vision

Chittaranjan Das was not only a political leader but also a social reformer. He strongly opposed caste discrimination and untouchability, advocating for the upliftment of Dalits and backward communities. His progressive vision for a secular, inclusive India was rooted in harmony among Hindus and Muslims.

As the Mayor of Calcutta in 1924, he implemented several civic reforms, including improvements in sanitation, education, and health infrastructure. He donated much of his wealth for social causes, including building schools, supporting the education of girls, and funding the nationalist press.

Das also encouraged women’s participation in politics. He was a strong supporter of Sarojini Naidu, and his wife Basanti Devi emerged as a prominent activist under his influence.

Literary Contributions

Chittaranjan Das was also a prolific writer and poet, expressing his nationalist ideals and spiritual beliefs through literature. His poetry, though less known today, reflected deep philosophical introspection, love for the country, and a longing for justice. Works like Malancha and Sagar Sangeet carry a distinct lyrical beauty infused with patriotic fervor.

Personal Life and Sacrifice

Chittaranjan Das led a life of sacrifice and simplicity. He gave up his luxurious lifestyle and focused on public service. He sold his ancestral property and donated the proceeds to support the freedom struggle and the Swaraj Party.

Despite suffering from poor health due to overwork and stress, he continued to travel extensively, organize public meetings, and address the concerns of the common people. His health deteriorated rapidly in 1925, but he refused to rest.

Death and Legacy

Chittaranjan Das passed away on 16th June 1925 at the young age of 54, in Darjeeling. His death was mourned across the country. Thousands attended his funeral in Calcutta, making it one of the largest public gatherings of that era.

Deshbandhu’s legacy remains a guiding light for future generations. Institutions like Chittaranjan Locomotive Works and Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute were named in his honor. Streets and educational institutions across India bear his name, reflecting the respect and admiration he commands even today.

He was instrumental in shaping the moderate-extremist balance in the freedom movement, providing a third path that combined Gandhian ethics with political pragmatism. His stress on Hindu-Muslim unity and inclusion continues to be relevant in modern India’s diverse society.

Conclusion

Chittaranjan Das was more than a freedom fighter; he was a visionary, reformer, and patriot whose multidimensional contributions laid the foundation for many movements that followed. His efforts to balance legislative activism with grassroots mobilization and his push for social justice make him a unique figure in India’s struggle for independence.

In an age of towering leaders, Das carved a distinct niche through his integrity, intellect, and empathy. As India continues to grapple with the challenges of democracy, diversity, and development, the life and ideals of Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das offer timeless inspiration.

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