Surya Sen revered in Mahbubul Khalid’s song (video)

The 88th Death Anniversary of Surya Sen, a Bengali independence fighter who led the 1930 Chittagong Armoury raid against the British colonial rule in India, is being observed today. A revolutionary at heart, Surya Sen was the chief architect of the anti-British freedom movement in Chittagong (present day Chattogram), Bangladesh. Sen embraced martyrdom to liberate his motherland from the colonial rule on January 12 in 1934.

Surya Sen was born on 22 March 1894 in Noapara, Chittagong to Sashibala and Ramaniranjan Sen, a school teacher. Having lost both his parents at an early age, he was brought up his uncle, Gourimoni. Revered by all as ‘Masterda’, an honorific translating to “a teacher and an elder brother”, he was deeply influenced by nationalist ideals even as a student.

In 1916, when he was studying at Chittagong College, he was enthused by one of his teachers to join revolutionary activities in the quest for the country’s freedom. Inspired by nationalistic ideals, Surya Sen unfurled the flag of ‘Anushilan Samity’, a revolutionary group. He became even more inspired when studying at Behrampore College he came into contact with the ‘Jugantar’ group. He quickly made a name for himself in the society with his lofty ideals, amazing oratory skills, exceptional organisational ability, and above all, an ability to reach and connect with common people.

In 1918, after obtaining his B.A. degree, Surya Sen returned to Chittagong and joined National School Nandankanan as a mathematics teacher. His exalted social status as a school teacher and popularity with the local populace earned him the sobriquet of ‘Masterda’.

Much influenced by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Surya Sen also joined the Indian National Congress. But, like many others, he too was sorely disappointed with Gandhi’s decision to call off the Non-Cooperation movement after the notorious Chauri Chaura incident.

Sen was known for recruiting a group of young and passionate revolutionaries known as the Chittagong group including Ananta Singh, Ganesh Ghosh, Lokenath Bal and Pritilata Waddedar who fought against the British stationed in Chittagong.

Surya Sen was an active participant in the Non-co-operation movement and was later arrested and imprisoned for 2 years from 1926 to 1928 for his revolutionary activities. After the Chittagong raid in 1930 and a fierce battle where over 80 British troops and 12 revolutionaries were killed, Sen and other surviving revolutionaries dispersed into small groups and hid in neighbouring villages, launching raids on government personnel and property. Sen was arrested on 16 April 1933, tried and was hanged on 12 January 1934.

Even though the Chittagong Armoury raid was largely unsuccessful, it demonstrated to the British the extent of the public anger against them. A brilliant strategist and charismatic leader, he was able to prevail upon the youth and ladies, in particular, to join the independence movement.

Noted Bangladeshi poet, lyricist and composer Mahbubul Khalid has penned a song paying tribute to the revolutionary who embraced martyrdom for the freedom of his motherland. Popular late composer Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul tuned the song titled ‘Surya Sen' while veteran singer Dinat Jahan Munni and the young singer Rajib rendered her voice to the song.

The song has been published on Mahbubul Khalid’s musical website ‘khalidsangeet.com’. Beside, a music video of the song has also been released on YouTube's 'Khalid Sangeet' channel.

Mentionable, poet, lyricist and composer Mahbubul Khalid has penned and tuned a vast number of songs including various days or observance, popular and renowned personalities, social awareness etc. His recent song on Covid-19 pandemic has been widely appreciated and created awareness on the deadly virus.