India, July 23 -- Humanity has forever turned to fasting to connect with the divine, clear the mind, or heal the body. In modern Indian history, however, it evolved into a powerful instrument of political resistance.

The news that Babu Harendranath Munshi had died on hunger strike inside Dhaka Jail sparked widespread public grief and political indignation in India.

To honour his memory, public memorial meetings were convened in Pune on February 1, 1938 and under the chairmanship of Popatlal Shah, the City Congress Committee organised a gathering at the Reay Market grounds. At the same time, another public assembly was held in front of the historic Shaniwar Wada that was organised by the local branch of the Democratic Swarajya Party, pre...