Tileswari Koch - An Unsung Hero of Assam | 18 May 2024

Tileswari Koch was a young freedom fighter and an active member of the Indian National Congress (INC) from Dhekiajuli in Assam.

She was shot at the age of 12 by the British on 20th September 1942, during the Quit India Movement when she and some freedom fighters tried to unfurl the Tricolour atop a police station in Assam.
Quit India Movement was started by Mahatma Gandhi on 8^th August 1942 during the All-India Congress Committee session in Mumbai to demand an end to British rule.
- He gave the call for “Do or Die” in his speech delivered at the Gowalia Tank Maidan.
- This movement changed the nature of political negotiations with British the, ultimately paving the way for India's independence.
The INC was founded at Bombay in December 1885 by A.O. Hume, a retired British official.
- It was formed to facilitate civil discussions between Indians and the British.
- The early phase of the INC was lead by moderate leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, GK Gokhle which relied more on moderate demands and constitutional methods.
- While later from 1905 onwards, Congress was led by extremists leaders like Bal Ganagdhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai who demanded complete independence and advocated for more radical approaches.