The Inspiring Tale of Khudiram Bose – A Brave Revolutionary

A warm welcome to my dear readers. I hope you all are doing good. Today I have chosen to bring before you an inspiring story from the pages of history.  A story of sacrifice from an 18-year-old boy. On this day i.e., 11th of August in the year 1908, this boy named Khudiram Bose made the supreme sacrifice for his motherland. His sacrifice reminds me of a famous dialogue of legendary Rajesh Khanna from the movie Anand “Babu Mosai Zindagi Badi Honi Chahiye Lambi Nahi.”

When the children of this present time are busy making useless reels and filthy shorts. And even after crossing the age of 18, they don’t have any clear vision about their future. I am 100% sure that the majority of the youth today is unaware of this brave soul. So, I take this chance to bring before you the short but a meaningful life of Khudiram Bose.

Eary life and courage

Khudiram Bose was born on December 3, 1889, to a Kayastha family in the Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. His parents, Trilokyapuri Bose and Lakshmipriya, had already experienced the pain of losing two sons before Khudiram’s arrival. The weight of this tragic history filled their hearts with apprehension. In a bid to protect him from any unkind influence, a ritualistic charm was performed. Whereby his elder sister presented him with grains of rice, a symbolic gesture that influenced his name. Since rice was locally referred to as “khud,” the young boy was named Khudiram.

While his peers were engrossed in the realms of books and the routines of school life, Khudiram Bose had already embarked on a journey against the oppressive British colonial rule. He was deeply influenced by the meetings conducted by Sri Aurobindo and Sister Nivedita in 1902 and 1903 respectively, consequently he joined Anushilan Samiti and came under the guidance of Barindra Kumar Ghosh. Remarkably, in 1906, he initiated the distribution of literature that loudly opposed British dominion. In this same year, fellow revolutionary Satyendranath Bose from  Anushilan Samiti bestowed upon him the responsibility of distributing nationalist literature that enthusiastically challenged the British regime.

The Plot to Assassinate Kingsford

The turning point in Khudiram Bose’s life came when a plan was hatched to assassinate Douglas Kingsford, an English judge notorious for his harsh treatment of Indians. The plan was for Khudiram and his associate, Prafulla Chaki, to plant a bomb concealed in a book parcel and target Kingsford as he traveled in his carriage. However, the plan failed when Kingsford did not open the parcel, and a different individual was injured in the explosion.

Khudiram and Prafulla’s determination remained unshaken. They were determined to eliminate Kingsford, who was later transferred to Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district. The revolutionary organization provided them with weapons and sent them to Bihar to carry out their mission.

The Failed Attempt and Capture

On April 30, 1908, they awaited Kingsford’s return to his residence and then Khudiram Bose along with Prafulla Chaki threw a bomb on the carriage which was supposed to carry judge Kingsford in Muzaffarpur. Unfortunately, it was a carriage similar to that of Kingsford and the bomb resulted in killing of wife and daughter of another British judge Kennedy.

The authorities swiftly launched a manhunt and a reward of Rs. 5,000 was offered for information leading to their arrest. Aware of the consequences Prafulla Chaki shot himself. Whereas Khudiram managed to elude the police for a while, but he was eventually apprehended on May 1, 1908, near the railway station.

Trial and Martyrdom

Khudiram Bose was charged with the murder of Kennedy’s wife and daughter. The trial was working like a suction pump gaining the attention and support of the people in the entire country. They cheered for him, shouting slogan like “Vande Mataram” and “Jai Hind”. Despite a valiant defense, Khudiram was sentenced to death by hanging.

On the day of his execution, Khudiram Bose, a mere 18 years old, faced the gallows with unparalleled courage and resolve. His sacrifice sowed the seeds of extremism and the feeling of nation above all in the young minds of his time. Consequently, it led to the formation of many revolutionary parties in different part of the country. Lokmanya Tilak, a famous freedom fighter, wrote several articles admiring Khudiram’s courage and unwavering commitment to the cause.

Inspiring Moral

Khudiram Bose’s story is all about his deep love for his country and extraordinary courage. Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki gave up their lives leaving behind an inspiring story. Their stories will touch the hearts of people from different generations. As we celebrate our 77th Independence Day, let’s remember and honor heroes like Khudiram Bose. They may not be well-known, but they sacrificed their lives for the dream of a free India.