The birth anniversary of the indomitable freedom fighter, Chandrashekhar Azad, was commemorated with solemn reverence as Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to the iconic revolutionary. Born as Chandrashekhar Tiwari in 1906, in the village of Bhabhra, within the princely state of Alirajpur, Azad’s journey of selfless dedication to the motherland began with a profound impact—the harrowing Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.
Hailing from a Brahmin family with roots in Badarka village, Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, Azad’s mother, Jagrani Devi, harbored aspirations of making her son a great Sanskrit scholar, leading him to be sent to Kashi Vidyapeeth at Benares for his studies.
However, the fervent call of India’s struggle for freedom beckoned him at a young age. In 1921, during the peak of the Non-Cooperation Movement, Azad, merely a 15-year-old student, boldly joined the movement. Subsequently, he faced arrest on December 20, but his steadfast resolve earned him the name “Azad” (meaning “Free”) from the magistrate, Justice M.P. Khareghat, while his father’s name became “Swatantra” (meaning “Independent”) and his residence was referred to as “Jail.” The price he paid for his actions was 15 lashes.
Azad’s unwavering commitment to India’s cause of freedom led him to become a prominent member of the Hindustan Socialist Republic Association (HSRA), which was founded by Ram Prasad Bismil in 1928. Advocating armed struggle as the means to overthrow British rule, Azad actively participated in revolutionary activities to collect funds for HSRA.
His pivotal role in the Kakori Train Robbery near Lucknow on August 9, 1925, garnered significant attention, intensifying British efforts to capture him and his associates. Azad’s determination knew no bounds, as he was involved in the shooting of John P. Saunders in Lahore in 1928, seeking retribution for the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai. He even attempted to blow up the Viceroy of India’s train in 1929.
Jhansi served as the hub of his organization for a period, where he trained his comrades in the forests of Orchha, forging strong bonds with the locals and imparting knowledge to children from the nearby village of Dhimarpura.
Azad’s courage and defiance made him a primary target of the British Raj law enforcement, prompting them to offer a substantial reward of Rs. 30,000 for his capture, dead or alive. On February 27, 1931, at Alfred Park in Allahabad, Azad valiantly fought against a multitude of police officers, choosing to embrace death as a free man rather than succumbing to capture.
His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and selfless devotion to the motherland continue to inspire generations of Indians. Azad remains an emblem of bravery and defiance against oppressive forces, with countless educational institutions, parks, and public places across India bearing his name as a perpetual tribute to his memory. As India continues its quest for justice and freedom, the name of Chandrashekhar Azad serves as an eternal source of inspiration.