Who is Chandra Shekhar Azad?

Chandrasekhar Azad was a Revolutionary leader, Freedom fighter, and Political
activist, who fought till his life ended, for the independence of India.

His political ideologies were Liberalism, Socialism, and Anarchism. He was given
the name Azad when he was punished by the British government for the first
time aged 15 and sentenced to 15 whiplashes.

He gained popularity among the Indian people due to his freedom struggle started at a young age.

Early life of Chandra Shekar Azad

Chandrasekhar Azad was born on 23 rd July 1906 in Bhabra, Madhya Pradesh.
When born he was originally named Chandrasekhar Tiwari.

He was the son of Pandit Sitaram Tiwari and Jagrani Devi.

At Bhavra he received his early education and for higher studies, he went to Sanskrit Pathshala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He got involved in revolutionary activities at a very young age.

He joined the Non-Cooperation movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi
(1920–22) at Banares. At that time he got his first punishment at an age of 15
years when he was caught by the Britishers and sentenced to 15 whiplashes.

After this incident, he assumed the title of Azad and became famous as
Chandrashekhar Azad. The Indian National Congress (Congress Party) soon
lionized him, and he gained popularity among the Indian people.

Famous Quotes of ChandraShekar Azad

One of his famous saying:
“If yet your blood does not rage,
then it is water that flows in your veins.
For what is the flush of youth,
if it is not of service to the motherland.”

What were some of the revolutionary activities of Azad

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, 1919 deeply disappointed Chandrashekhar Azad.
Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation movement in 1921 and
Chandrashekhar Azad participated actively in it.

But due to the Chauri-Chaura incident, Gandhi Ji suspended the Non-Cooperation movement in February 1922 that came as a blow to the Nationalist Sentiments of Azad.

He then decided that a fully aggressive course of action was more suitable for his
desired outcome.

He joined a radical association named the Hindustan Republican Association and took part in several violent activities including the Kakori train robbery on 9 th August 1925 and the revenge killing of a British police officer (1928).

He was known for his organizational skills and played a key role in
reorganizing the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. He wanted
complete independence for India in any way.

To take avenge on the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, he killed the British Assistant Superintendent of Police John Poyantz Saunders. His crimes made him a wanted man, but he was able to elude the police for several years. He was constantly on move because of Police capturing.

Azad’s Final Moments

On 27 th February 1931, he arranged a meeting with revolutionaries at
Allahabad's Alfred Park, now Chandrashekhar Azad Park. He was betrayed by
one of his associates.

He was surrounded by police, as soon as he entered the park. A gun battle ensued, in which two police officers were wounded. He fought with bravery but seeing no other way to escape, he shot himself and fulfilled his pledge of not being caught alive.

His Memories

Chandrashekhar Azad was one of the greatest Indian freedom fighters. He is a
pioneer of Bharatiya Independence. His courage and patriotism inspired several
people of his generation. He was the mentor of Bhagat Singh.
To commemorate the bravery of Chandrashekhar Azad, after independence,
Alfred Park in Allahabad was renamed Chandrashekhar Azad Park.
Chandrashekhar Azad Memorial, Shahid Smarak is built at Orchha, Tikamgarh,
Madhya Pradesh.

Several patriotic films were also made that depicted the character of
Chandrashekhar Azad like in Rang De Basanti's film Amir Khan portrayed the
character of Chandrashekhar Azad, etc.
He lived only for 25 years but his role played in India’s independence is not
forgettable and inspired several Indian’s to take part in India’s freedom struggle.
As a revolutionary, Azad's conviction and fight against colonial oppression, in
the pursuit of a free and independent India, went on to inspire the country, and
although he, did not get to see his vision realized, a free and thriving India still
pauses to celebrate his sacrifice every 27th February.

If you want to know more about Chandra Shekar Azad then ‘click here‘.

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