 In the region of Jhansi, there was a woman whose name was Jalkari Bhai, born in a Dalit family in 1830. In those days, she was not allowed to attend school, instead her father trained her in horse riding and using weapons. Local law says that she once gave a tiger that was attacking the villagers. She married a soldier in the Jhansi army. This is where Rani Lakshmi Bhai noticed that Jalkari Bhai was a very brave woman. When she found out about Jalkari Bhai's bravery and skills, Rani Lakshmi Bhai ensured that she was trained further in warfare. During Jhansi's war with British, after the king died, rumors say that it was Jalkari Bhai who asked Rani Lakshmi Bhai to escape with the infant prince for his safety. In a heroic step, Jalkari Bhai dressed up as the queen or Lakshmi Bhai and led the battle while the queen escaped along with the infant prince. They say she fought like a tigeress, killing many British soldiers and finally died fighting. Many Dalit communities in Bundelkhand look up to her as a goddess even today and celebrate Jalkari Bhai Jayanti every year. We do not know how many such unsung heroes laid down their lives for India's freedom. As we celebrate the 75th year of independence, this is my effort to bring forth as many stories of such forgotten martyrs as possible. Jalkari Bhai, not a queen, not of royal birth, but born in a low-cost family but rose to a heroic heights of fighting the British and she is immortalized. In that region, it's time the nation remembers her. It is time the nation celebrates her heroic deeds, her valor and her skills in the battle. It is her ultimate sacrifice which allowed Rani Lakshmi Bhai to live and fight another day. We bow down to this great woman of India. Namaskaram.