Dharmadas Bodhak was born in 1922 into a humble family in Gangadharpur village, situated under Panchla police station in the Howrah district. His parents, Prasad Bodhak and Usha Rani Devi, struggled to make ends meet. Despite their circumstances, Dharmadas showed promise and completed his matriculation from a nearby village school.
From a young age, he felt deeply troubled by the oppression faced by his motherland. Ignoring familial constraints, he joined India's freedom movement, inspired by the renowned freedom fighter Durgapada Chattopadhyay from Panchla.
Dharmadas actively participated in the struggle for freedom. He became associated with Amulya Vidyamandir, a hub for freedom fighters in the Gangadharpur area. He clandestinely distributed bulletins to fellow freedom fighters and contributed to various activities, including spinning yarn. However, his involvement led to his arrest by British authorities. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment and served time in the Presidency Jail.
Upon his release, he returned to his village and dedicated himself to strengthening the Congress organization. He played a significant role in the Quit India Movement of 1942, rallying volunteers and striving for its success. Following India's independence, Dharmadas found employment in the Land Revenue Department of the Government of West Bengal.
In 1972, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi honored his exceptional contributions by awarding him a Tamra Patra.
Dharmadas Bodhak passed away in 1980. In recognition of his invaluable service to India's struggle for independence, the Government of India granted a pension to his wife, Nanda Rani Bodhak.
Tamra Patra awarded by Government of India in 1972.
Pension order issued by the Government of India in 2006.
Source :Soumen Pal, Contributor for CCRT.