India’s struggle for independence was not only about battles, marches, and fiery speeches. It was also about silent sacrifices, untold suffering, and unshakable determination. Among the many heroes who laid down their lives for freedom, one young man’s name stands out — Jatindra Nath Das, also known as Jatin Das.
He was only 24 years old when he died in Lahore Central Jail after a 63-day hunger strike, protesting the inhuman treatment of political prisoners. He breathed his last on 13 September 1929, but his sacrifice sent shockwaves across the nation, inspiring countless Indians to fight harder against British rule.
Though his name often appears alongside the legendary Bhagat Singh, Jatin Das’s own story of courage and sacrifice deserves to be remembered on its own.
Early Life and Education
Jatindra Nath Das was born on 27 October 1904 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bengal Presidency. He came from a middle-class Bengali family with strong cultural and patriotic values. From a very young age, he showed signs of sensitivity, courage, and a deep sense of justice.
He studied at the Vidyalaya School in Calcutta and later joined Vidyasagar College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta. During his college years, the political atmosphere in Bengal was charged with revolutionary activities. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 had left a deep scar on young minds, and Jatin was one of them.
At the age of just 17, Jatin Das joined the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921. He was arrested for participating in protests and spent six months in jail. This experience exposed him to the brutality of the colonial prison system and planted the seeds of his later protest inside Lahore jail.
Entry into Revolutionary Activities
While Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence inspired millions, some young Indians felt that stronger, more radical action was needed. Bengal became the hotbed of revolutionary organizations such as the Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar Party, which carried out secret activities against the British.
Jatin Das, deeply influenced by these ideas, soon became associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) — the same organization in which Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Chandrashekhar Azad played leading roles.
He was skilled in making bombs and preparing revolutionary literature. But more than his revolutionary training, it was his commitment to justice and his discipline that impressed his fellow fighters.
The Lahore Conspiracy Case
In 1928, the British introduced the Simon Commission, which had no Indian members. This angered Indians across the country. During one protest against the commission in Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally beaten by police and later died from his injuries. This incident shook the entire nation.
To avenge his death, HSRA revolutionaries including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev planned to kill James A. Scott, the police officer responsible. However, by mistake, they killed J.P. Saunders, another police officer. This came to be known as the Lahore Conspiracy Case.
Many HSRA members were arrested, including Jatindra Nath Das. He was not directly involved in Saunders’ murder, but his association with the HSRA led to his imprisonment.
The Hunger Strike in Lahore Jail
Once inside Lahore Central Jail, Jatin Das witnessed the discrimination and torture faced by Indian political prisoners. While British prisoners enjoyed clean food, proper clothing, and good treatment, Indian prisoners were forced to eat rotting food, wear torn uniforms, and live in unhygienic conditions.
This unequal treatment enraged Jatin Das and his fellow revolutionaries. Along with Bhagat Singh, Yatindra Nath Das, and others, he demanded better treatment for political prisoners.
Their demands included:
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Hygienic food and clothing.
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Access to books and newspapers.
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Protection from forced labor.
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Equal treatment as European prisoners.
When the authorities refused, they launched a hunger strike on 13 July 1929.
At first, the jail officials thought the strike would end in a few days. But as days turned into weeks, the prisoners’ health deteriorated drastically. Doctors tried to force-feed them, but Jatin Das resisted every attempt. He believed that accepting food forcefully would mean surrendering to injustice.
The Martyrdom of Jatindra Nath Das
Jatin Das continued his hunger strike for 63 days, making it one of the longest hunger strikes in the history of India’s freedom struggle.
On 13 September 1929, at around 1:15 pm, Jatin Das breathed his last. He was only 24 years old. His death shook the nation.
When his body was taken to Calcutta by train, thousands of people gathered at every station to pay their respects. The funeral procession in Calcutta, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, was attended by over half a million people. His sacrifice had transformed him into a national hero overnight.
National Impact of His Death
The death of Jatindra Nath Das created massive outrage across India. Newspapers carried headlines condemning the British government for its cruelty.
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Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who visited him in jail before his death, described Jatin as a man of “iron determination.”
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Subhas Chandra Bose called him the “young Dadhichi of India,” comparing him to the sage who sacrificed his body for the greater good in Hindu mythology.
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Even moderate leaders who were against revolutionary violence praised Jatin Das’s courage and selflessness.
His martyrdom gave new energy to the freedom movement. The British government was forced to take notice of the prisoners’ demands, and it realized that repression could no longer silence Indian voices.
Legacy and Remembrance
Jatindra Nath Das may not be as famous as Bhagat Singh or Chandrashekhar Azad, but his story continues to inspire generations.
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In Kolkata, roads and memorials have been named after him.
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Several books and plays have highlighted his sacrifice.
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His name is remembered every year on 13 September, Martyr’s Day.
What makes Jatin Das’s sacrifice unique is that he did not die in battle, nor in an act of violence. Instead, he used his body as a weapon of protest, choosing death over injustice. His hunger strike became a symbol of resistance, proving that freedom was more valuable than life itself.
Why Jatin Das Matters Today
In today’s world, where protests often end in violence, Jatin Das’s story reminds us of the power of peaceful resistance. His hunger strike was not about harming others, but about making the oppressor realize the depth of injustice.
He teaches us that:
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True patriotism means self-sacrifice.
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The fight for justice requires courage and discipline.
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One individual’s determination can inspire an entire nation.
Conclusion
Jatindra Nath Das lived only 24 years, but his short life left an everlasting mark on India’s freedom struggle. His hunger strike and ultimate martyrdom revealed the cruelty of British rule to the world and gave new strength to the independence movement.
He may not be celebrated as widely as other revolutionaries, but every Indian owes him gratitude. His sacrifice reminds us that freedom was won not just by famous leaders, but also by ordinary young men and women who gave up everything for the nation.
On every 13 September, when we remember his martyrdom, we should also remember the lesson he left behind: “Life is temporary, but sacrifice for justice makes one immortal.”
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