Q. A leading nationalist leader while undertaking fast in the prison wrote to the British Governor, ‘The individual must die so that the nation may live. Today, I must die so that India may win freedom and glory.’ Who wrote this statement?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Jatin Das
(d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Ans: (c) Jatin Das
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) Jatin Das.
Jatin Das, an Indian revolutionary and nationalist leader, wrote the statement while undertaking a fast in prison. Jatin Das was an active participant in the Indian independence movement and played a significant role in the revolutionary activities against British rule.
During his imprisonment in Lahore Central Jail in 1929, Jatin Das went on a hunger strike to protest against the inhumane treatment of political prisoners. He undertook an extended fast, refusing to consume food or water, in an act of defiance against the British colonial authorities.
The statement you mentioned, “The individual must die so that the nation may live. Today, I must die so that India may win freedom and glory,” captures Jatin Das’s determination and sacrifice for the cause of Indian freedom. He believed that his personal sacrifice through the hunger strike would serve as a symbol of the nation’s struggle and inspire others to continue the fight for India’s independence.
Jatin Das’s hunger strike gained significant attention and support across the country, becoming a rallying point for the nationalist movement. Unfortunately, he sacrificed his life after a prolonged fast of 63 days, making the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Indian freedom.
Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Jatin Das.
