Kalicharan Ghosh was born on 14 March 1910 in Pal Para. His father’s name was Uday Chand Ghosh. He was a prominent figure in Chandannagar. During his school years, he became involved with revolutionary groups, finding inspiration in Durgadas Seth, a fellow revolutionary, which fueled his sense of patriotism.
Operating covertly within the armed movement, Kalicharan used his writings to sway public sentiment against the British. The publication of one of his articles in the newspaper ‘Swadeshi Bazar,’ edited by Durgadas Seth and published by Rameshwar Dey, led to their imprisonment for six months, on charges of sedition. Kalicharan's efforts led to the establishment of the ‘Youth Association’ in Chandannagar.
In 1930, he was arrested for participating in the ‘Salt Act Disobedience Movement’ in Midnapore. After a year of imprisonment, he returned to Chandannagar briefly, but when he attempted to form a revolutionary party in Midnapore, the British police apprehended him. His revolutionary activities led to extended detention without trial in Deuli, Hijli, and Buxa camps.
Following his release in 1937, he joined the Communist Party in the Hooghly district. In 1939, when the party was banned, he faced several months of imprisonment once again. In 1944, he established a centre for India’s liberation movement in Pondicherry, only to be arrested once more. During this time, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, leading to the removal of one of his lungs.
Kalicharan donated all his possessions and established a children’s hospital and library before his passing. The government offered him a copper plate and freedom pension, but he declined these honours.
Kalicharan Ghosh passed away on 30th January 1973.
Source: Bhaskar Mondal, Contributor for CCRT