Biharilal Maity was born in 1915 in Purbaradhapur village under Bhagwanpur police station in East Medinipur district, hailed from a humble background with Kumornarayan Maity as his father. Completing his primary education locally, he pursued higher studies in a nearby school. His fervor for the Swadeshi movement led him to actively join India's struggle for independence.
In 1930, during Mahatma Gandhi's call for Civil Disobedience against the Salt Law, Biharilal participated enthusiastically, engaging in picketing activities. A pivotal moment came in 1938 when he attended a stirring speech by Subhas Chandra Bose in Mugberia, which deeply inspired him. He subsequently worked on fortifying the Congress organization in various villages.
During the Quit India movement of 1942, Biharilal found himself at the forefront, participating in protests under the leadership of figures like Hrishikesh Gayen and Dhirendranath Das. Tragically, during one such procession in Bhagwanpur police station, violent reprisals by constables resulted in the deaths of 16 youths, with Biharilal being among those arrested and sentenced to six months' imprisonment.
In 1988, the Government of India honored his unwavering dedication to the freedom struggle with the prestigious Copper Plate award.
Biharilal Maity passed away in 2013.
Copper Plate was awarded to Biharilal Maity by the Government of India in 1988.
Source: Soumen Pal, Contributor for CCRT.