People and Personalities of Katihar District

The big stories often make the headlines of our historical narratives, but history is not only about the landmark events - it finds shape and character in the myriad events that led up to a flashpoint of change. An attempt to discover and document stories of people, events, and places linked to the freedom struggle of India at the micro level of the district has led to the creation of a Digital District Repository. Stories in this section can be broadly classified under - People & Personalities.

Dhruv Kundu

Dhruv Kundu was born in the year 1929 in Katihar, Bihar. In 1942, when the 'Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi he was barely 13 years old. But this braveheart chose to participate in the 1942 revolution with the objective to free our country from British Rule.

On 11 August 1942, the revolutionaries set fire to the Registrar's office and burnt all the documents. A team of freedom fighters demolished the office of the Sub-Registrar of Katihar on August 13, 1942. They uprooted the flags of the British government including the Munsif court and hoisted the Indian fag.

On 13 August 1942 despite the warning of Mr. Mukherjee, the SDO of Katihar against going to the spot, Dhruv joined the agitation and hoisted the national flag at the police station, Katihar. British soldiers started firing on the crowd in which Dhruv Kundu was shot at injuring him badly. He was rushed to Purnia Sadar Hospital for treatment, but on the morning of August 15, 1942, he succumbed to his injuries. The indomitable bravery of the young martyr will be remembered forever.

Source :

• Special Cover issued by Department of Posts on 13th October 2021
• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav