In the forgotten pages of Indian history, where the names of revolutionaries and peace-makers are often blurred out, Indian communist and peasants movement organiser Illa Mitra’s chronicle comes alive as a bold narration of resilience and sacrifice. An athlete and the leader of the Tebhaga Movement, which brought the rights of Bengal’s oppressed farmers to the forefront, Mitra’s tale is injected with courage and heartbreak simultaneously.

In episode 27 of #BrutallyHonest with VRA, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri shares ten lessons from her life that resonate even with today’s struggles for equality and justice.

1. One Voice is Enough to Start a Revolution

Illa Mitra wasn’t just a simple part of the 1946 Tebhaga Movement; she was the heart of the revolution. Her resolute point of view empowered numerous farmers to stand strong for their rightful share of produce. It’s an impactful lesson on how change can begin with one voice.

2. The Roots of Oppression Dig Deep

Apart from the farmers’ rights, the Tebhaga Movement was also a call for action against a system that exploited the vulnerable. Mitra led a revolution that fought against oppression and highlighted that understanding the roots of these prejudices is critical to dismantling them piece by piece.

3. The Unyielding Strength of Women

During a time when women change-makers were scarce, Mitra shattered the societal moulds holding them back and proved them as formidable forces of change. She was proudly named “Rani Ma” by the farmers. Her story sheds light on the transformative impact of female leaders in movements primarily dominated by men.

4. Advocacy for Marginalized Farmers

Mitra’s work extends beyond the realms of caste, religion, and gender. She united Hindu, Muslim, and Santal farmers under a single cause, establishing that true justice isn’t discriminatory but universal.

5. Change Comes at a Cost

Justice doesn’t come free, and Mitra’s life story proves that. She was arrested during the movement and subjected to inconceivable physical and mental trauma. But staying true to her form, she stood resilient and faced all challenges with a head held high. The price she paid for justice is a significant reminder that the path to equality is crowded with hurdles, but resilience takes us across every single time.

6. The Power of Human Spirit

Despite being brutally tortured during her time in detention, Mitra proved the human spirit is unbreakable. Though in detention, her survival and eventual recovery is a lesson in perseverance. After all this, she was elected to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly for Maniktala constituency, showing that tough times aren’t constant.

7. Education as Empowerment

While she struggled to fight for farmers’ rights and faced the interruptions caused by her activism and imprisonment, Mitra went on to finish her degree in Bengali literature. This commitment to education underscores the importance of having continued thought and how it fuels transformative change.

8. The Domino Effect of Courage

Mitra’s work didn’t just impact the farmers; it also left a lasting legacy for her contemporaries and those who came years and years after her. Her activism for justice showed that speaking up can bring about poignant change that will be remembered and continually worked upon across generations.

9. Celebrating Forgotten Heroes

Like many others, Illa Mitra’s story risks being forgotten. Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri revisits this tale to honour her contributions and those of countless unsung heroes whose sacrifices built the world we live in today.

10. Lessons for Modern Activism

From standing up against systemic manipulation to suffering personal traumas, Mitra’s tale of justice offers heartfelt lessons for today’s activists. Even those who aren’t fighting for societal justice but simply themselves can reflect: Are we ready to match her courage and commitment in our own battles for justice?

The Road Ahead

Illa Mitra’s unheard battle for justice isn’t a story from the past but a lesson for our present and our future. Her life reminds us that justice is a constant battle, one that requires unbending resilience, endless empathy, and unshakable ideals, especially the belief in the power of change.

In episode 27 of #BrutallyHonest with VRA, we remember and honour her struggle, but this is also an effort to ignite the fire she kindled within us. Her legacy serves as our guide to the complexities of life in injustice, reminding us that the price for change, though steep, is worth paying.