Chandrashekhar Azad Birth Anniversary: “If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins…” declared Chandrashekar Azad, who was a pivotal figure in the Indian Independence Movement. This year commemorates the 116th anniversary of Chandra Shekhar Azad, a name that will continue to live on and on.
Early Life of Chandrashekhar Azad
Chandrashekhar Azad was born on 23rd July 1906, in Bhabhra village, in the princely state of Alirajpur. His mother wanted him to become a Sanskrit scholar for he was sent to Kashi Vidyapeeth, Banaras for further studies. The Jallianwallah Bagh Massacre left him deeply affected, so during India's Non-cooperation Movement, the 15-year-old Azad was ready to be part of it. In 1921, he joined the movement, but soon after joining the movement, he was arrested.
Chandrashekhar Azad: Role In India’s Freedom Struggle
After the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, Chandrashekhar Azad met Ram Prasad Bismil who had formed Hindustan Republican Organization. He became an active member of it and was one of the masterminds behind the Kakori train robbery which was carried out in 1925.
Being a close associate of Bhagat Singh, he transformed the HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Organization in 1928. In the same year, he killed John Saunders, the assistant superintendent of police to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. He was arrested after that.
He had learnt archery which gave him a comprehensive advantage while fighting against the British Movement. He was fondly called ‘Quicksilver’ by Ram Prasad Bismil for his alertness and restlessness.
Azad killed three police officers and injured numerous others in Alfred Park on February 27, 1931, while defending himself and Sukhdev Raj. He single-handedly fought with the British army for a long time, but later Azad was unable to flee, while Raj was.
Keeping his promise to never be caught alive by the British force, he shot himself with the last bullet he had. The pistol is now on display in the Allahabad Museum, and the area has been renamed Chandrashekhar Azad Park in his honour.
Azad played a major role in India's struggle for Independence and his heroics has inspired millions of Indians.
“…For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland.", said Chandrashekar Azad.
Chandrashekhar Azad Vision For India:
Chandrashekhar Azad aspired to liberate India not only from external oppressors but also from internal oppressors. He was part of a movement that was not only anti-communal in politics but also critical of religion itself. He was the commander-in-chief of a movement that aimed to establish true democracy in India.
According to Manmathanath Gupt, Azad in his moments of ecstasy used to sing and hum his dream that was:
“Jehi din hoi jai surajva, Arhar ke daliya, dhan ke bhatua, Khoob kachar ke Kaibena, Array Jehidin hoi hai surajava”
(In an independent India, the masses will have enough food to eat, clothes to wear and a house to live in)