On 23rd July, the nation of India commemorated the birth anniversary of its renowned freedom fighter, Chandra Shekhar Azad. Born on this day in 1906, in the Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Azad was a formidable figure in the fight for India’s independence.
Chandra Shekhar Azad: Early Life and Inception into the Freedom Movement
Chandra Shekhar’s involvement in the freedom movement began when he was a mere 15-year-old student. He joined the Non-Cooperation Movement in December 1921, leading to his arrest. When presented before a magistrate, he identified himself as “Azad” (The Free), gave his father’s name as “Swatantrata” (Independence), and stated his residence as “Jail”. This courageous attitude earned him the moniker – Chandra Shekhar Azad.
Chandra Shekhar Azad’s Role in the Hindustan Republican Association
Following the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Mahatma Gandhi in 1922, Azad affiliated himself with the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). The HRA, a radical faction founded in 1924 in East Bengal by Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Narendra Mohan Sen, and Pratul Ganguly, was born out of the Anushilan Samiti. Other prominent members included Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Ram Prasad Bismil, Roshan Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Rajendra Lahiri.
The Infamous Kakori Conspiracy
The HRA was largely funded through the proceeds of robberies of government property. A notable operation was the Kakori Train Robbery near Kakori, Lucknow in 1925. This audacious act was executed by Azad, along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, and Manmathnath Gupta.
Formation of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army
The HRA eventually morphed into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA) in 1928. This transformation happened under the leadership of Azad, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee at Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi. The HSRA was responsible for the assassination of J.P. Saunders, a British policeman in Lahore, in 1928. This was done to retaliate against the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai.
The End of a Heroic Chapter: Death of Chandra Shekhar Azad
Chandra Shekhar Azad’s life came to an end on 27th February 1931 at Azad Park in Allahabad. His death marked the conclusion of an epoch in which he fearlessly championed the cause of India’s freedom. Azad’s legacy continues to inspire future generations – a testament to his undying spirit and love for his country.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024