Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, popularly called Deshbandhu was a leading Bengal based Indian freedom fighter in the first quarter of the 20th century. Born in a respected Bengali family on 5th Nov 1870, he was highly educated and received a degree in Law from England.

He was the leading figure in Bengal during the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1919-1922, and initiated the ban on British clothes. He himself set an example by burning his own European clothes and taking up 'desi' Khadi clothes. With Motilal Nehru, he founded the Swaraj Party to express his non-moderate opinions. Known to be the mentor of Subhash Chandra Bose, the imperialistic British administration tried to cool his heels many a times but could not tame his iron resolution and confidence.

He brought out a paper called Forward and later changed its name to Liberty to fight the British Raj. When the Calcutta Corporation was formed, he became its first Mayor. He presided over the Gaya session of the Indian National Congress. Throughout his political life, he was plagued with ill health but despite that, he showed valor, courage and determinism in rising up to the British.

He was a believer of non-violence and constitutional methods for the realisation of national independence, and advocated communal harmony and championed the cause of national education. He was the source of inspiration to many and so when he met an untimely death on 16th June 1925, at the age of 55, Bengal suffered an unbridgeable political and spiritual vacuum. His legacy was carried forward by his disciples, and notably by Subhash Chandra Bose.

He was a barrister who had entered the political arena by trying to save Aurobindo Ghosh from the hangman's noose when he got implicated in the Alipore Bomb Conspiracy Case. His wit and powerful handling of the case was the reason behind Aurobindo's acquittal.