Basanti Devi (23 March 1880 – 1974) was an Indian independence activist during the British rule in India. She was the wife of activist Chittaranjan Das. After Das’ arrest in 1921 and death in 1925, she took active part in various movements and continued with social work post-independence.

    She received Padma Vibhushan in 1973. The British rule was a dark time for the Indian society. The Indians were suppressed and denied of their basic rights and opportunities. In this era, Indian resources and people were the most exploited. When people were losing their voices in fear and lack of education, some great leaders emerged and took a stand for their freedom and rights, and great names like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose came to light.

      There were also women freedom fighters who fought as bravely as the men and enlightened the people of the country to demand what they....