75th Anniversary of “Quit India” Movement

Origin of the Movement

On 26 April 1942, Mahatma Gandhi wrote an article titled “Quit India” in the Harijan Patrika. The idea soon took shape when, on 14 July 1942, the Congress Working Committee passed a resolution demanding the immediate end of British rule in India, calling it essential for India’s welfare and for the success of the Allied forces during World War II.

The movement gained full momentum on 8 August 1942, when Gandhi formally launched the Quit India Resolution during the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Mumbai—now known as August Kranti Maidan.

Gandhiji’s Historic Call: “Do or Die”

While launching the movement, Gandhiji urged the nation to free India through non-violent mass struggle. In his inspiring address, he gave the nation a stirring mantra:

“Do or Die. We shall either free India or die in the attempt… From this moment consider yourself a free person.”

These words electrified the nation and ignited the spirit of sacrifice among Indians. The failure of the Cripps Mission also acted as a catalyst in intensifying public sentiments.

Key Features of the Quit India Resolution

• Nationwide hartals (strikes) across cities and villages
• Encouragement to prepare homemade salt, symbolic of self-reliance
• Students above 16 urged to leave schools and join the freedom struggle
• Every citizen urged to wear a badge with the motto “Do or Die”

British Suppression and Public Uprising

In the early hours of 9 August 1942, Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, and all top Congress leaders were arrested, and the Congress was declared an unlawful organisation. Despite his deteriorating health and the recent loss of his wife, Gandhi observed a 21-day fast in prison as a mark of protest.

The British responded with harsh suppression—curbing civil rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. Over 60,000 people were arrested, and nearly 10,000 lost their lives during the protests.

Nationwide Resistance and Local Leadership

The movement saw massive strikes, demonstrations, and sabotage of communication systems in major cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Patna, and Ahmedabad. It later spread into rural India, where it flourished underground.

Major Centres of the Movement:

• Maharashtra: Satara
• Bengal: Tamluk, Contai, Midnapore, Balurghat
• Uttar Pradesh: Balia, Azamgarh
• Assam: Naogaon

Prominent Leaders Included:
Nana Patil, Sannath Lal, Chaitu Pandey, Matangini Hazra, Sushil Dhara, Kanaklata Barua, and many others.

In Tamluk (Bengal), the movement assumed the form of a mass uprising. Under the leadership of 72-year-old Matangini Hazra, a crowd of 20,000 marched to seize government offices. She was shot dead while leading the procession, becoming a symbol of sacrifice.

Later, Ajay Mukherjee, Sushil Dhara, and Satish Samanta led the movement and established the “Tamluk Provisional National Government” on 17 December 1942.

They even formed:

• Bidyut Bahini – a voluntary armed force
• Bhagini Sena – a women’s organisation

Historical Significance

The Quit India Movement marked a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. It demonstrated the power of united mass movement, leaving the British convinced that they could no longer rule India successfully. It initiated the final phase of India’s journey to Independence and compelled the British to plan a peaceful withdrawal.