The life and contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters fondly known as ‘Punjab Kesari’ and ‘Lion of Punjab’, is a remarkable journey filled with significant milestones that have significantly contributed to the country’s struggle for independence. His life is an invaluable treasure trove of political, social, and literary accomplishments. This article chronicles his life, his multifaceted contributions, and the significance of his role in India’s freedom movement.
Birth and Early Life
Lala Lajpat Rai was born on January 28, 1865, in the small village of Dhudike within the Ferozepur district of Punjab. He pursued law at Government College, Lahore and came under the influence of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, ultimately joining the Arya Samaj in Lahore. Rai firmly believed that combining Hinduism’s ideals with nationalism would pave the way for a secular state. He was famously part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio of extremist leaders, along with Bipin Chandra Pal and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and actively participated in the Hindu Mahasabha. Rai was also a vigorous voice against untouchability in India.
Political Contributions
Rai joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and took part in numerous political agitations in Punjab. Because of his political activities, he was deported to Burma without trial in 1907 but got released after a few months due to lack of evidence. Rai staunchly opposed Bengal’s partition and established the Home Rule League of America in 1917, in New York. Through this platform, he sought international moral support for the Indian independence movement. In addition, he served as the President of the All India Trade Union Congress and backed Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement during the Nagpur session of the Congress in 1920. Rai steadfastly protested against the Rowlatt Act and the consequent Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Social and Institutional Endeavors
Rai’s impact goes beyond politics. He founded the Hindu Relief movement in 1897 to assist famine-stricken individuals, thereby protecting them from falling prey to missionaries. In 1921, he established the Servants of People Society. Additionally, Rai set up multiple institutions like the Hisar Bar Council, Hisar Arya Samaj, Hisar Congress, and National DAV Managing Committee. And he was the founder and editor of the Arya Gazette. Among other notable accomplishments, Rai co-founded the Punjab National Bank in 1894.
Literary Works
Rai’s literary contributions are as profound and influential as his political campaigns. His significant literary works include ‘Young India’, ‘England’s Debt to India’, ‘Evolution of Japan’, ‘India’s Will to Freedom’, ‘Message of the Bhagavad Gita’, ‘Political Future of India’, ‘Problem of National Education in India’, ‘The Depressed Glasses’, and the travelogue ‘United States of America’.
Death
Lala Lajpat Rai’s ardent patriotism led to his tragic demise. In 1928, while leading a silent protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore, he was brutally lathi-charged by Superintendent of Police, James Scott. Sadly, Rai succumbed to his injuries a few weeks later. Every year, his birth anniversary is celebrated on the 28th of January, as a tribute to this stalwart who dedicated his life to the fight for India’s freedom.