On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to two prominent figures of India’s freedom struggle—Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bal Gangadhar Tilak—on their birth anniversaries.
Tribute to Chandra Shekhar Azad
Prime Minister Modi honored Chandra Shekhar Azad, a revolutionary leader known for his courage and unwavering commitment to India’s freedom. Modi highlighted Azad’s legacy on X, noting:
- Fearless Heroism: Azad was a “fearless hero” with immense bravery and dedication to India’s independence.
- Enduring Impact: Azad’s ideals continue to inspire millions, especially the youth.
Azad, who died at the age of 24, led revolutionary organizations that diverged from Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence. He chose to end his life rather than surrender during a gunfight with British forces, using his last bullet to avoid capture. His legacy as a leader in the armed struggle against colonial rule is comparable to other figures like Bhagat Singh.
Tribute to Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Prime Minister Modi also praised Bal Gangadhar Tilak, describing him as a significant figure in India’s independence movement. Modi remarked:
- Visionary Leadership: Tilak was a visionary who worked tirelessly to foster nationalism.
- Emphasis on Education and Service: Tilak also promoted education and social service as crucial components of the freedom movement.
Tilak’s efforts included mobilizing the masses around cultural and political causes to support the independence movement. Modi shared his speech from a ceremony where he received the Lokmanya Tilak National Award, further acknowledging Tilak’s contributions.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was Chandra Shekhar Azad known for?
- A) His advocacy for non-violence
- B) His leadership in revolutionary organizations
- C) His role in promoting educational reforms
- D) His role as a cultural leader
- How did Chandra Shekhar Azad choose to end his life?
- A) By surrendering to British forces
- B) By fleeing the country
- C) By taking his own life during a gunfight
- D) By escaping imprisonment
- What was one of Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s contributions to the freedom movement?
- A) Organizing armed revolutionary activities
- B) Promoting cultural and political causes to mobilize the masses
- C) Advocating for peaceful negotiations with the British
- D) Focusing exclusively on economic reforms
- At what age did Chandra Shekhar Azad die?
- A) 30
- B) 25
- C) 24
- D) 28
- What did Prime Minister Modi emphasize about Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s work?
- A) His role in advocating for international support
- B) His emphasis on education and service
- C) His focus on economic policies
- D) His efforts to promote non-violence