118th Birth Anniversary of Chandra Shekhar Azad

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has paid tributes to Chandra Shekhar Azad on his 118th birth anniversary. Azad was a great Indian freedom fighter who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence.

1. The Prime Minister posted on X: “On his birth anniversary, I pay homage to the great Chandra Shekhar Azad. He was a fearless hero, blessed with unwavering courage and commitment to India’s freedom. His ideals and thoughts continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of millions of people, particularly the youth.”

About Chandra Shekhar Azad:

1. Birth and Early Life: Chandra Shekhar Azad was born on July 23, 1906, in the small village of Bhavra in Madhya Pradesh.

2. Joining the Non-Cooperation Movement: At the age of 15, he joined the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi.

3. Disappointment with Gandhi: Azad was disappointed by Gandhi's suspension of the non-cooperation movement in February 1922, after several policemen had been murdered by a revolutionary mob at Chauri Chaura.

4. Joining the Hindustan Republican Association: Azad became an active member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), an organization dedicated to overthrowing British rule through revolutionary means.

5. Transforming the HRA into the HSRA: By 1928, he had played a crucial role in transforming the HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), which aimed to establish a socialist republic in India.

Key Revolutionary Activities:

1. Kakori Train Robbery (1926): Azad played a key role in the Kakori Train Robbery, which was an armed robbery that took place on a train in central Uttar Pradesh.

2. Attempt to Blow up the Viceroy's Train (1926): Azad was involved in the attempt to blow up the Viceroy's train in 1926.

3. Shooting of Saunders at Lahore (1928): Azad was involved in the shooting of Saunders at Lahore in 1928, which was an act of revenge for the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai.

Leadership and Bravery:

1. Leadership: Azad's leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in several significant revolutionary activities.
2. Bravery: Azad was known for his unwavering resolve and extraordinary bravery. He lived a life on the run, constantly evading capture by the British police, and became a symbol of resistance for the youth of India.

Death:

1. Encounter with the British Police: In January 1931, during a fierce encounter with the British police in Alfred Park, Allahabad, Azad fought valiantly but was eventually cornered.

2. Choosing to End His Life: Faced with the prospect of capture, Azad chose to end his life on his own terms, declaring that he would never be captured alive.

Kakori Train Robbery (1926):

1. Armed Robbery: The Kakori Train Robbery was an armed robbery that took place on a train in central Uttar Pradesh on August 9, 1925.

2. Court Trial: The British government instituted a court trial against more than 20 Indian revolutionaries accused of involvement, directly or indirectly, in the brave act.

3. Hindustan Republican Association: The revolutionaries were members of the newly formed Hindustan Republican Association, a revolutionary organization, which was later renamed as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.

Conclusion:

Chandra Shekhar Azad was a great Indian freedom fighter who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. His bravery, leadership, and unwavering resolve continue to inspire people to this day.

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