It was 90 years ago that Jatindra Nath Das sacrificed his life for improving the condition of political prisoners, after a 63 day fast at Lahore Central Jail. He was only 25 years of age at the time of his death on September 13, 1929.
This fast had a great impact and millions of people gathered in various parts of India to pay their last respects to Jatindra Nath Das who had participated in the revolutionary movement as well as in the Gandhi-led non-cooperation movement with great commitment.
Earlier he had fasted for the same cause at Mymensingh Jail and there also his fast had made a significant impact. Keeping in view his deep conviction and the deep impact of his initiatives on people, it will be most appropriate and a fitting tribute if his death anniversary is observed every year as Day for Justice for Political Prisoners.
(Bharat Dogra is a freelance journalist, author, researcher, activist.)