Biography of Chittaranjan Das:
Chittaranjan Das was born on 5 November 1870 at Telirbagh in the Benpgal Presidency, now Bangladesh. He was the son of lawyer Bhuban Mohan Das and his wife Nistarini Debi. Members of his family were actively involved in Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s Brahmo Samaj. Das’s uncle, Durga Mohan Das, was a prominent Brahmo social reformer and worked in the field of widow remarriage and women’s liberation.
In 1890, Das completed his graduation from the Calcutta Presidency Academy and then went to England to pursue his higher studies and pass the Indian Civil Services Examination. However, ICS did not perform.
Completed his law studies in England and returned to India in 1893. Practiced law in Calcutta High Court for many years.
contribution of Chittaranjan Das in Indian freedom struggle:
• In the Alipore Bomb Case of 1908, Das defended Aurobindo Ghosh and gained fame among Indians.
• He also contributed to the English weekly ‘Bande Mataram’ along with Aurobindo and Bipin Chandra Pal.
• Actively promoted the use of Bengali in university examinations.
• He championed the cause of Khadi and cottage industries and gave up his own western clothes and luxurious lifestyle.
• He joined the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• He became an important member of the Indian National Congress and was known for his oratorical skills and insight.
• In 1921, together with his son and wife, he was arrested for participating in the movement. He spent 6 months in prison.
• When Gandhi withdrew the non-cooperation movement due to the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, Das and others protested as the movement was in full swing. Along with Motilal Nehru, he founded the Swaraj Party in January 1923.
• He was a prolific writer and poet. He published his collection of poems in two volumes titled ‘Malancha’ and ‘Mala’.
• Das’s health began to deteriorate in 1925 and he stayed in Darjeeling to improve his health.
• Gandhi was a great admirer of Das and called him a great soul. People gave him the honorary title of ‘Deshbandhu’. Subhas Chandra Bose also revered das
• Das died of severe fever on 16 June 1925 in Darjeeling. His remains were taken to Calcutta for burial. Hundreds of people came to his funeral. Gandhi led the funeral procession.
Legacy of Chittaranjan Das
• Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute of Kolkata had its humble beginnings in 1950 when Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital was established in the premises of Chittaranjan Seva Sadan. A few years before his death, Das donated this property including his house and adjoining land to the nation to be used to improve the lives of women.
• “Step Aside”, the last residence of Das in Darjeeling is now a Mother and Child Care Center run by the Govt.
• A memorial tower was built at the Keoratala crematorium where Chittaranjan Das was cremated. The anniversary of his death is regularly celebrated here every year.
Written by : Vaishali Verma
