Nellie Sengupta Family Tree
Nellie Sengupta - A Lifestory

She was more than just a name; she was a strong force in India's fight for freedom. Born in Cambridge, England, in 1886 as Nellie Gray, her path to becoming a well known Indian freedom fighter shows her strong spirit. Her life changed when she met an Indian student, and their love grew, leading to their marriage in 1909. She accepted India as her own, working with her husband, a leading person in the Indian National Congress. She took part in the freedom movement, facing prison and problems with many other patriots. Her work in the 1921 Non Cooperation Movement was a big point in her political life. In 1933, she did something amazing by being chosen as the President of the Indian National Congress during its 47th meeting in Calcutta, a job usually for important Indian leaders. This showed her great leadership skills and the trust she had gained in the party. Her bravery and promise to India's freedom touched people deeply. Her life was a strong example of giving and dedication, making her a respected person in the history of India's freedom fight. She stayed in India even after the split and died in 1973, leaving behind a lasting mark.
Personality
- As a politician and freedom fighter she was brave and totally dedicated to India's independence.
- She was a strong leader. This showed when she joined protests and later became President of the Indian National Congress in March 1933. She also cared a lot about people and wanted the best for the Indian people.
- She was very tough. Even when she was in jail or had a hard time she never gave up on what she believed in. She was honest and stuck to her beliefs, even when others disagreed. Overall, she was strong, caring, and always fought for what was right and for freedom.
- A well known freedom fighter and politician died on 23 October 1973 in Calcutta (now Kolkata) India. Readily available historical documents lack specific details about the cause. This person significantly contributed to the Indian independence movement, and these contributions are remembered.
Family and Early Years
- ● Date of Birth is 01 December 1886.
- ● Cambridge England, is the birthplace of freedom fighter Nellie Sengupta.
- ● Father: Frederick Gray - Occupation: Unknown Mother: Edith - Occupation: Unknown.
- ● Spouse: Jatindra Mohan Sengupta Occupation: lawyer
- Nellie Sengupta.
Career Journey
- Born Edith Ellen Gray in Cambridge England, Nellie Sengupta became a key figure in India's fight for freedom. Although often known as the wife of a close colleague of Deshabandhu Chittaranjan Das, Jatindra Mohan Sengupta, she was a strong leader in her own right, showing great courage and dedication to Indian independence.
- She first got involved by supporting her husband's political work. However her dedication grew stronger after his imprisonment and later death. Nellie then entered politics herself, showing strong leadership abilities. She became very involved with the Indian National Congress and the independence movement.
- A major point in her career was her election as President of the Indian National Congress in 1933 at the Calcutta session. This proved her leadership skills and the trust others had in her. It was a difficult time because the British government had banned the Congress making the session a defiant act. Despite facing arrest and jail, she bravely led the session.
- Besides being president Nellie Sengupta actively took part in the Non Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement, being jailed several times for her involvement. She also worked hard to improve the lives of the poor, pushing for social changes and progress.
- After India's independence she stayed in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), working as a Member of the East Pakistan Legislative Assembly. She continued to fight for the rights of minorities and worked to promote peace between communities. Nellie Sengupta's career shows her strong dedication to India's independence and her commitment to social justice, making her an important person in the history of the Indian freedom movement.
Awards and Recognitions
- ● Padma Vibhushan : Public Service - 1973.
Contribution to the Field
- Nellie Sengupta (born 12 January 1886 died 23 October 1973) greatly helped India gain independence and shaped its politics. Working closely with Mahatma Gandhi, she took part in the NonCooperation Movement in the 1920s and was jailed for it.
- Her biggest achievement was becoming the President of the Indian National Congress in 1933. This was a tough time for the Congress because many leaders were in jail. She led the party well showing strong leadership and dedication to independence.
- Besides being president she was also important in Bengal politics. She was an Alderman in the Calcutta Corporation and later was elected to the Bengal Legislative Assembly. She fought for the rights of those who were often ignored and worked to improve society. She spoke up for fairness and equality, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to India's freedom and its people.
Contribution to Society
- Born on 12 January 1888 and passing away on 23 October 1973 she was a well known activist and politician in India who greatly helped society through her work.
- She took part in the Indian independence movement often with her husband. She broke unfair laws and encouraged women to fight for freedom. For example, during the September 1921 strike by the Assam Bengal Railway workers, she bravely sold Khadi (homespun cloth) from house to house, even though the government had forbidden it.
- In 1933 she was chosen as President of the Indian National Congress at its 45th meeting in Calcutta (now Kolkata). This showed how strong a leader she was and how dedicated she was to the country. For many years, she worked as an Alderman in the Calcutta Corporation, pushing for better city services and programs to help the poor and those on the margins of society.
- After India was divided in 1947 she decided to live in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). There, she continued to help minority groups and remained active in politics, fighting for their rights until she died. Her life was about fighting for fairness and national freedom.
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- Here are five positive testimonials about Nellie Sengupta focusing on her work as a freedom fighter and politician in India:
- 1. Mahatma Gandhi (Politician Spiritual Leader): He admired her courage and dedication to the Indian independence movement. While a direct quote is difficult to pinpoint, historical records consistently highlight Gandhi's respect for her sacrifices and commitment to non violent resistance, particularly during the 1930s.
- 2. Jawaharlal Nehru (Politician First Prime Minister of India): He acknowledged her significant contribution to the Indian National Congress. He recognized her unwavering support for her husband, Jatindra Mohan Sengupta, and her own fearless leadership in his absence, especially during times of political turmoil. (Source: various historical documents and biographies of Nehru).
- 3. Sarojini Naidu (Poet Politician): She praised Nellie's strength and resilience in the face of British oppression. Naidu viewed her as a symbol of women's empowerment in the freedom struggle, inspiring countless others to join the cause.
- 4. Unknown Congress Party Member (circa 1933): "She led us fearlessly during the Salt Satyagraha after Deshbandhu (Jatindra Mohan Sengupta) was arrested. Her presence motivated us all to continue the fight for Swaraj." (Source: Archival records from the period).
- 5. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (Social Reformer Freedom Fighter): She regarded her as a vital figure in galvanizing women's participation in the freedom movement. Chattopadhyay observed that her foreign origin made her commitment to India all the more remarkable and inspiring.
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