The recent commemoration of Lala Lajpat Rai’s Jayanti by the Prime Minister brought this iconic freedom fighter into focus again. Born on the 28th of January 1865, Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the greatest patriots India has ever known. His life and legacy continue to inspire the nation, and his contributions to India’s struggle for independence remain indispensable.
About Lala Lajpat Rai
Known affectionately as ‘Punjab Kesari’ and ‘Lion of Punjab’, Lala Lajpat Rai made significant contributions to India’s freedom movement. His education in law took place at the Government College, Lahore. Rai found inspiration in Swami Dayananda Saraswati and became a member of the Arya Samaj in Lahore. He held the firm belief that the principles of Hinduism, when fused with nationalism, could lead to the establishment of a secular state. He formed an extremist leadership trio known as Lal-Bal-Pal along with Bipin Chandra Pal and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Rai also engaged with the Hindu Mahasabha and fought relentlessly against untouchability.
Political Contributions
Rai joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and participated actively in political agitations in Punjab. Consequently, he was deported to Burma in 1907 without trial, only to return a few months later due to lack of evidence. Rai opposed the partition of Bengal and founded the Home Rule League of America in New York in 1917. While in the USA, Rai worked tirelessly to garner international support for the Indian independence movement. He earned the title of President of the All India Trade Union Congress and supported Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement during the Nagpur session of Congress in 1920. Rai’s voice was vocal against atrocities like the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He was elected deputy leader of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1926 and moved a resolution in the assembly against cooperating with the Simon Commission in 1928.
Social and Literary Contributions
Lala Lajpat Rai’s contributions weren’t limited to politics; he also engaged in social welfare work. He established Hindu Relief Movement in 1897 to aid famine-stricken people and prevent them from falling into the hands of missionaries. He also founded the Servants of People Society in 1921. His literary works, like 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’, were monumental.
Institutional Contributions
Rai was an institution builder as well. He founded several organizations and institutions like Hisar Bar Council, Hisar Arya Samaj, Hisar Congress, and National DAV Managing Committee. He served as editor of Arya Gazette, which he founded and even co-founded the Punjab National Bank in 1894.
The End of a Legendary Life
Lala Lajpat Rai’s life came to a tragic end in 1928. He was leading a silent protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore when he was brutally lathi-charged by the Superintendent of Police, James Scott. Rai succumbed to his injuries a few weeks later, leaving behind a legacy of courage, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to India’s freedom.
