Abstract:

This article examines the history of student movements in post-independence Bengal, tracing their evolution from 1947 to the present. It argues that student activism in Bengal has been a crucial force not only within the sphere of education but also in shaping broader socio-political transformations. In the immediate aftermath of independence, issues such as the Partition-induced refugee crisis, food shortages, unemployment, and educational inequalities provided the foundation for student mobilization. The movements of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly the food movements, marked the emergence of students as active participants in mass political struggles.

The study further explores the radicalization of student politics during the Naxalite movement, which originated in Naxalbari in 1967 under the ideological influence of Charu Majumdar. This phase represented a shift towards revolutionary politics, with sections of the student community embracing militant strategies. However, the subsequent state repression and political changes led to a reorientation of student activism in the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by institutionalized and democratic forms of student politics, particularly under the influence of organized student bodies.

The paper also highlights the transformation of student movements since the 1990s in the context of economic liberalization, privatization of education, and the rise of new socio-political concerns such as identity, gender, and human rights. In recent decades, the use of digital platforms has further reshaped the nature and reach of student activism.

Drawing upon primary sources such as contemporary newspapers and political documents, along with secondary historical analyses by scholars like Sumit Sarkar and Bipan Chandra, this study presents a comprehensive understanding of student movements in Bengal. It concludes that student activism has consistently functioned as a dynamic and transformative force, reflecting and influencing the changing socio-political landscape of the region.

Keywords:

ছাত্র আন্দোলন, খাদ্য আন্দোলন, নকশালবাড়ি, উদ্বাস্তু

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