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Purnendu Sekhar was born on November 11, 1914, in Mahiganj, Rangpur, in undivided India. His father, Dr. Lalbihari Guha, was a doctor, and his mother, Smt. Shatadal Basini Guha, was a homemaker. He started his education at Tajhat High School, Rangpur. A decorated athlete and swimmer, he was deeply affected by the British atrocities he witnessed and heard about. This instilled in him a strong desire to liberate India from British rule from a very young age.

During his early life, at the age of 12, while most children today are learning to play games, Purnendu Sekhar learned to use a revolver and kept one at his waist. He joined the freedom movement at this tender age, driven by his indomitable spirit. He believed in fighting for his rights and participated in the armed freedom movement.

Due to his involvement with senior freedom fighters, the British police closely monitored him during his school years. Although he managed to stay undercover, he was eventually forced to leave Rangpur by the British police, who could not arrest him due to his young age. He was sent to Assam to stay with his uncle, an incident that further fueled his determination to free India. He completed his matric exam (Class X) from Dhubri Zilla School and then returned to Rangpur to attend Carmichael College, known as the "Oxford of the East." His involvement in the freedom movements continued, and he joined the “Anushilan Samity,” a revolutionary organization advocating armed revolution.

In 1933, at the age of 19, Purnendu Sekhar traveled to Calcutta (now Kolkata) with another young man to collect arms for their movement. While waiting at Sealdah Station for their train back to Rangpur, they were apprehended by the British police, who had received information about their activities. They were caught with weapons and booked under the “Rangpur Arms Conspiracy Act” and “Defence of India Rule,” resulting in a 12-year and 6-month imprisonment sentence. In 1936, he was sent to the Andaman Cellular Jail, also known as “Kala Pani,” along with other freedom fighters.

This marked the beginning of a more passive freedom struggle. At Cellular Jail, Purnendu Sekhar met legendary revolutionaries like Ganesh Ghosh, an associate of Surjya Sen, another renowned revolutionary leader from Chattogram. Ganesh Ghosh introduced Purnendu Sekhar to Marxism, which left an indelible mark on him. His belief in Marxism remained steadfast until the end of his life. He later became a member of the Communist Party in undivided India.

Purnendu Sekhar’s spirit to fight against the British remained undiminished even in the harsh conditions of “Kala Pani.” He continued to participate in protests against British rule within the jail. In 1937, he joined a hunger strike with other inmates to protest the ill-treatment of prisoners and demand better conditions. He went on a hunger strike for 36 days, compelling the British authorities to concede to their legitimate demands. As a result, prisoners were sent back to India in batches. In 1938, Purnendu Sekhar and 110 other prisoners were transferred to Alipur Central Jail, Calcutta, where he continued his protests.

On September 8, 1945, Purnendu Sekhar was released from Alipur Central Jail. His release was met with a large gathering of supporters and well-wishers, including renowned communist Biswanath Mukhopadhyay. Having spent most of his youth in jail and sacrificing his family life, he ensured that we could walk free today. Purnendu Sekhar returned to Rangpur and became a teacher at Mahiganj. In 1948, he took a job at Assam Match Company (AMCO), later renamed WIMCO, to support his family.

An ardent communist, he became involved in trade union movements and was a member of the CITU of Assam State Committee. He married Nilima, a woman from a family involved in freedom movements who respected freedom fighters. His mother-in-law, Nitambini Majumdar, also went to jail for her involvement in the freedom movement. In 1960, Purnendu Sekhar built a house in Coochbehar, where his wife and children lived. He retired from his job in 1974.

Purnendu Sekhar’s life in jail is chronicled in books such as “Dipantorer Bondi” by Nalini Das, “Mukti Tirtha Andaman” by Ganesh Ghosh, the Bangladesh publication “Sangrami Jananeta- Com. Mani Krishna Sen,” and “Kaler Kopole Carmichael College-Souvenir 2008.”

On August 15, 1972, the 25th anniversary of India’s independence, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi honored freedom fighters with the “TAMRO PATRO.” Purnendu Sekhar was one of the recipients. He later became the secretary of the Freedom Fighters Organization in Coochbehar, holding the post until his death. Known for his athletic skills in football, swimming, and other sports, he was felicitated as an ex-player by Dhubri DSA in 1977. His numerous accolades are preserved at his residence in Coochbehar.

The unseen contributions of his wife, Smt. Nilima Rani Guha, who supported him and cared for their six children single-handedly, are also noteworthy. She was actively involved in supporting the freedom movement in her own way.

Purnendu Sekhar Guha passed away on September 9, 1982, at the age of 68 in his home in Coochbehar. Smt. Nilima Rani Guha passed away in 2018 at the age of 93.

There are countless revolutionary heroes whose selfless contributions, struggles, and devotion led us to a free India. In an era without modern technology, phones, WhatsApp, or Facebook, their efforts were even more remarkable. Let us remember that our freedom, which we now take for granted, was hard-earned. Let’s not forget the sacrifices made by our forebears and ensure we do not lose this precious freedom easily.

The year 2014 marked the birth centenary of Purnendu Sekhar Guha. To commemorate his 100th birth anniversary, his family organized various events, including free blood donation camps and cultural events with school children and NGOs. As we celebrate the 75th year of independence with “Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,” it is fitting to bring such stories to the forefront.