His fight for freedom

A. DEVA RAJU

"Vande Maataram, Sujalam Suphalam, Malayaja Sheethalam, Sasyashyamalam Mataram ... "

Do you know who wrote this? Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was the author of this song.

Born on June 27, 1838 in a village in Bengal, Bankim Chandra's early education began in Midnapur. Later he joined the Mohsin College at Hoogly and studied there for six years. He spent his leisure time reading. He was very interested in Sanskrit. It was the beauty of that language that attracted him.

In 1856, he joined the Presidency College in Calcutta. After his graduation the Lieutenant Governor of Calcutta appointed him Deputy Collector. He was then 20 years old and he decided to study Law.

Bankim Chandra emerged as a great writer in Bengali. He wrote novels and poems. His articles stimulated impartial thinking and he became popular even outside Bengal. His novels have been translated into many Indian languages.

Bankim started writing while still in service. Because of constant unpleasantness in his workplace he grew weary of service. He felt that government service curbed his freedom and challenged his self-respect. So he retired when he was only 53 years old. When Bankim Chandra retired, he was eager to write many books. But that was not to be. His health declined and he died in 1894, at the age of 56.

Bankim wrote 15 novels in all. Durgeshanandhini, Kapalkundala, Mrinalini, Chandrasekhar, and Rajsimha are well known for their interesting stories. Anandamatha, Devi Chowdhurani and Seetharam are based on history.

Bankim was a journalist too. In April 1872 he brought out the first issue of Vangadarshan. In the very first issue of Vangadarshan, Bankim wrote: I have no ill feeling towards either English or Englishmen. It is very good to study English as much as possible (but) pure silver is better than gilt brass. A true Bengali is better than one who poses as an Englishman. Bengal will not progress as long as educated people and scholars do not express themselves in Bengali."

The Vande Mataram became the sacred battle cry of freedom fighters, and - a source of inspiration. So much so, the British officers were enraged at the very mention of this song. People were sent to prison because they sang this song. Vande Mataram has an honoured place in independent India. It keeps alive the patriotic fervour.

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