In today’s time and age when fiery debates are order of the day . Epithets are flung at remotest provocation , some true some half baked. Even being a nationalist is seen with an angle of perceived ideology whether one endorses it or not . Words like “DeshBhakt” or “Bharat Mata ki Jai” are scoffed at and are hurled as abuses implicitly . Here,in this viscous environment, I have read and is sharing a valiant story of a freedom fighter who inspired millions, his valor and indomitable spirit still gives goosebumps and is held by masses in reverence. His awe inspiring tale has and will continue to instigate passions for the motherland till posterity. I am beginning to share the story , we all have heard and cherished to believe that what I stood for is true and will continue to serve my motherland in whatever miniscule way I can. To believe that nationalist feelings aren’t outdated and concocted lies won’t stand the scrutiny of time.
“Your name?”
The boy replied back nonchalantly “Azad”.
“Your father’s name”?- “Azadi”
“Where do you live?”-“In Prison”
Taken aback by the fearlessness of a teenager, a Parsi magistrate Mr. Kharegat , known for awarding severe punishments, ordered 50 lashes of severe caning . The boy seemed unperturbed while facing the Jailer Ganda Singh, notorious for his cruelty and torturing the prisoners. The boy was punished more for displaying his contempt for the magistrate than his actual crime of throwing stone at the police officer. Much to the disappointment of the Jailer, with every stroke of cane lashing and tearing his skin apart , boy continued to yell “Mahatma Gandhi ki Jai”.
As the news of the youth’s bravery spread, people from all walks of life converged, to accord a hero’s welcome and the slogans of “Chandrashekhar Azad Ki Jai” reverberated the streets of Varanasi . A revolutionary , a Star, glimmer of hope,a 15 year old Sanskrit student Chandrashekhar Sitaram Tiwari , thus transformed into heroic patriot Chandrashekhar Azad . This is how, the story of one of the greatest warrior a true brave heart of Indian Independence movement came to limelight.
The year was 1918, the British Government introduced the dreaded Rowlatt Act, to suppress the growing clamor for independence. It’s aim was to suppress political agitations under the pretext of “sedition” as disenchanted people raised their voices against additional levy of taxes due to First World War. The country was up against the Rowlatt Act, and Mahatma Gandhi led the Satyagraha which was brutally suppressed by British government. Scores of people were killed in police firing and infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Punjab on Baisakhi day in April 1919 . The atrocious policies perpetrated by British knows no boundaries which further fueled the discontentment and unrest among masses and Azad was no exception to it.
Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the non cooperation movement was launched all over India in 1921. Varanasi too was caught up in the frenzy , as students boycotted classes, and demonstrations were held . Azad being a rebellious by nature, left his studies and actively participated in it, but the Chauri Chaura incident(1922) and the abrupt suspension of Non Cooperation movement by Gandhi ji disappointed him immensely. His disillusionment with non violent movement made him believe and trudge the path of armed struggle for Indian Independence.
Disillusioned with non violent movement and burning zeal to overthrow British , Azad joined Hindustan Republican Association( HRA) under revolutionary Sachindranath Sanyal. The organization was greatly influenced by the Russian Revolution in 1917 which overthrew Czar NicholasII. This organization was later renamed and reorganized by Azad and his associates like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Batukeshwar Dutta etc. as Hindustan Socialist Republican Army( HSRA)
Two daring raids carried out by HRA was the famous Kakori Case and (HRSA) assassination of two British police officers Saunders and Scott(escaped) to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai who were brutally lathi charged and mortally injured in 1928 while leading a demonstration at Lahore and thus infusing the spirit of nationalism and new lease of life in the freedom movement.
On the ill fateful February 27, 1931, Azad was with his friend at Alfred Park Allahabad, planning his next course of action when betrayed by his associate Azad was surrounded by police . Fighting against all odds and surrounded by 80 sepoys, Azad refused to surrender and resulted in gunfight . True to his name undeterred by circumstances , valiantly he fought like a cornered tiger till the end. He kept firing at the British police with his pistol, till he had just one bullet left. With no intention to surrender, he placed the pistol to his temple, and pulled the trigger.
The story I recalled didn’t end here , Chandrashekhar Azad didn’t die that day , he lived in the minds and hearts of countless nationalist. His story is told and gives strength to generations thereafter. The story is a folklore inspiring patriots stimulating our nationalism, galvanizing us as one and prompting us to shed the narrow selfish beliefs and unite us as Indians. In prevailing acidic public discourse where slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ or ‘Vande Mataram’ are mocked and makes you an outcast , it best to remember the umpteen sacrifices of martyrs who went to gallows holding their head high for the future of this nation . Never wilt under pressure or get seduced by the gimmickry of unscrupulous elements who nowadays have slowly seeped into our society , these self professed intellectuals have for long continued with their despicable agendas enticing the gullible. The nationalism or patriotism will never go outdated as long our hearts resonate to the calls of nation.
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