Kalpana Datta: The Indian ‘Do or Die’ heroine

Kalpana Datta was the surviving member of Surya Sen’s group who knew every intimate detail of bloody battle of Chittagong Uprising.

Prior to her death, Kalpana Datta had narrated every minute detail of Chittagong Uprising to her daughter-in-law Manini Chatterjee. This narration became an inspiration for Manini to write a non-fiction novel – Do and Die: The Chattagram Uprising (1930-34).

This book is not just a reminder of Chittagong Uprising, but also on the struggle of teenagers and their brave leader Surya Sen who single handly defied the mighty British Empire. Very few comrades survived in this uprising including Kalpana Datta.

Like every patriotic Indian, Kalpana too had a desire to fight for independence. She actively joined Chhatri Sangha, a small revolutionary group which gave her an opportunity to plunge herself in the freedom struggle.

Here in this group, she bonded with Pritilata Waddedar and Bina Das. It was Pritilata who introduced Kalpana to the great freedom of fighter of Chittagong – Surya Sen.

Fondly known as ‘Masterda’ , Surya Sen was calm by nature but had a tactical mind like a spy. Initially, Surya Sen was reluctant to accept Kalpana in his group, but Kalpana’s die-hard patriotism impressed him and thus Kalpana became an active member of his group. Her tasks involved transportation of explosive materials and other supplies. She was also expert in making gun cotton.

Surya Sen’s strategic attack on British’s armoury, telegraph office and railway lines cut off Chittagong from the rest of India. This attack was a blow on the British supremacy. This revolt was popularly known as Chittagong Uprising.

Arrest and later life – Kalpana was arrested on 19th May 1933 and sentenced to the transportation of life. Later Kalpana was released in 1939. She later got married to Puran Chand Joshi, the general secretary of Communist party of India. She was blessed with two sons – Chand Joshi & Suraj Joshi. It was Chand Joshi’s wife Manini who later wrote the novel – Do and Die: Chattagram Uprising.

Though Kalpana Datta is no more, her valor, indomitable spirit and patriotism are definitely inspiring.

The role of Kalpana Datta was portrayed by actress Deepika Padukone in movie – Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey which was based on Chittagong Uprising.