Chandrashekhar Azad

Chandrashekhar Azad

Chandrashekhar Azad, born on July 23, 1906, in Bhavra village, present-day Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India, was a prominent Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter. He played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule.

Here is a brief biography of Chandrashekhar Azad:

Early Life:

Chandrashekhar Azad was born as Chandrashekhar Tiwari in a Brahmin family. His family faced economic challenges, and he grew up in a socially and economically deprived environment.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 deeply affected Azad, sparking his interest in the freedom struggle. He was just a teenager at the time, but the brutal incident left a lasting impression on him.

Non-Cooperation Movement:

Azad actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920-1922. He joined the protests against the British government and left his school to join the movement.

Influence of Ram Prasad Bismil:

Azad was greatly influenced by the revolutionary ideas of Ram Prasad Bismil, another freedom fighter. He joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which later became the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).

Renaming and Pledge:

To escape arrest and continue his revolutionary activities, Chandrashekhar Tiwari adopted the pseudonym "Azad," which means "free" in Urdu. He took a pledge that he would never be captured alive by the British police.

Kakori Conspiracy:

In 1925, Azad was involved in the Kakori Conspiracy, a train robbery that aimed to fund revolutionary activities. The British authorities intensified their efforts to capture Azad after this incident.

Alone and Unbowed:

Following the arrest of key HSRA leaders, including Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqulla Khan, Azad remained one of the few prominent figures still at large. He continued his revolutionary activities and eluded capture.

Death in Alfred Park:

On February 27, 1931, the British police surrounded Azad in Alfred Park, Allahabad. Rather than surrendering, Azad chose to fight and, according to popular belief, shot himself with his last bullet to honor his pledge of never being captured alive.

Chandrashekhar Azad's courage, commitment, and sacrifice have made him a symbol of bravery in the Indian independence movement. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians who value freedom and justice.