On the 18th of November, Nitin Gadkari, the esteemed Indian politician and Union Minister, paid heartfelt tribute to the great revolutionary Batukeshwar Dutt on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Born on November 18, 1910, Batukeshwar Dutt remains etched in history as a fearless Indian socialist and independence fighter from the early 1900s.
Dutt is most renowned for his audacious act alongside Bhagat Singh on April 8, 1929, when they detonated two bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in New Delhi. The duo’s arrest, trial, and subsequent life imprisonment marked a pivotal moment in India’s fight for freedom. Notably, while incarcerated, Dutt and Singh initiated a historic hunger strike to protest against the abusive treatment of Indian political prisoners. Their unwavering resolve eventually led to the attainment of certain rights for these prisoners.
A member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, Batukeshwar Dutt’s legacy extends beyond his revolutionary actions. The B. K. Dutt Colony in New Delhi, strategically situated opposite Safdarjung Airport and adjacent to Jor Bagh, stands as a tribute to his contributions. This private residential colony, the nearest to AIIMS in the NDMC area, serves as a constant reminder of Dutt’s indomitable spirit.
Author Anil Verma added to the commemoration of Batukeshwar Dutt by penning a book titled “Batukeshwar Dutt: Bhagat Singh ke Sahyogi” (Batukeshwar Dutt: Companion of Bhagat Singh). Released on the centenary of Dutt’s birth, the book holds historical significance as the first publication on Dutt in any language. Published by the Government of India’s National Book Trust, Verma’s work serves to preserve and share the inspiring tale of this revolutionary icon.
Batukeshwar Dutt’s presence extends even into popular culture. In Ki. Rajanarayanan’s novel “Gopallapurathu Makkal” (1989), Dutt is anachronistically mentioned as having succumbed to death on the 56th day of his hunger strike in 1929. Additionally, actor Bhaswar Chatterjee portrayed the role of Dutt in the 2002 film “The Legend of Bhagat Singh,” immortalizing the revolutionary’s story on the silver screen.
As Nitin Gadkari and countless others pay homage to Batukeshwar Dutt on his birth anniversary, his legacy continues to inspire generations, emphasizing the indomitable spirit of those who played a pivotal role in India’s journey to independence.
