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Chandrashekhar Azad (चंद्रशेखर आझाद)

Who was Chandrashekhar Azad? 

Chandrashekhar Azad was a prominent Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Below is a detailed summary of his life and legacy:

Birth and Early Life

  • Born on July 23, 1906, in Bhavra village, Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh.
  • His birth name was Chandrashekhar Tiwari.
  • Belonged to a Brahmin family; his father was Sitaram Tiwari, and his mother was Jagrani Devi.
  • His mother wanted him to become a Sanskrit scholar.

Education

  • He was sent to Kashi Vidyapeeth in Varanasi for higher studies.
  • While in Varanasi, he became influenced by the nationalist movement.
Involvement in Freedom Struggle
  • At the age of 15, he joined Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921.
  • When arrested during a protest, he gave his name as "Azad" (meaning free), his father's name as "Swatantrata" (freedom), and his residence as "Jail."
  • This bold act earned him the title Chandrashekhar Azad.
Disillusionment with Non-Cooperation Movement
  • When Gandhi called off the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, Azad grew disillusioned with non-violence.
  • He shifted his focus toward revolutionary activities.
Association with Hindustan Republican Association (HRA)
  • Joined the HRA, founded by Sachindra Nath Sanyal, in 1924.
  • Played a crucial role in reorganizing the group along with Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and others.
Kakori Train Robbery
  • Participated in the Kakori Train Robbery of 1925, aimed at looting British treasury funds.
  • The incident brought the revolutionary group to national attention.
Transformation into Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)
  • After the Kakori incident, Azad and his associates renamed HRA to HSRA in 1928, emphasizing socialism.
  • Worked closely with Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.
Assassination of J.P. Saunders
  • Played a key role in avenging the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
  • Along with Bhagat Singh and others, assassinated J.P. Saunders, a British officer, in Lahore in 1928.
Steadfast Commitment to Freedom
  • Dedicated his life to India's independence, refusing to surrender to British authorities.
  • Organized secret meetings and training sessions for revolutionaries.
Encounter in Alfred Park
  • On February 27, 1931, Azad was betrayed and surrounded by police in Alfred Park, Allahabad.
  • Engaged in a fierce gunfight, killing three policemen.
  • Used his last bullet to shoot himself, keeping his pledge never to be captured alive.
Legacy
  • Became a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.
  • Alfred Park was renamed Chandrashekhar Azad Park in his honor.
  • Inspired generations of Indians to join the freedom struggle.
  • Several films, books, and plays have been created to commemorate his life.
Philosophy and Ideology
  • Advocated armed revolution as the path to independence.
  • Believed in socialism and the redistribution of wealth.
  • Opposed caste-based discrimination, promoting unity among revolutionaries.
Commemoration
  • Numerous schools, colleges, and institutions are named after him.
  • Statues and memorials across India honor his contributions.
  • His legacy lives on in Indian history as one of the most fearless revolutionaries.
Personal Traits
  • Known for his resourcefulness, bravery, and leadership.
  • Maintained a simple lifestyle, devoting all his time to the freedom struggle.
  • Was deeply respected and loved by his fellow revolutionaries.
Impact on the Indian Independence Movement
  • His revolutionary activities weakened British morale and inspired youth.
  • Played a key role in keeping the spirit of resistance alive during a critical phase of the struggle.
  • His martyrdom fueled the movement, leading to eventual independence in 1947.

Chandrashekhar Azad remains a celebrated figure in Indian history, representing the spirit of defiance and unwavering commitment to freedom.

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