Chandra Shekhar Tiwari also known as Chandra Shekhar Azad was born on 23rd July 1906 in Bhabhra village in the princely state of Alirajpur. Hailing from a Brahmin family, his mother Jagrani Devi aspired for him to become a great Sanskrit scholar. However, the turbulent times of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921 ignited a revolutionary spark in the young Azad.
Involvement in the Freedom Struggle:
At the age of 15, Chandra Shekhar Azad actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement. His fiery spirit and commitment to India’s independence led to his arrest and subsequent punishment of 15 lashes by a district magistrate. Disheartened by the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, Azad sought like-minded revolutionaries who shared his vision for a free India.
Formation of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association:
Azad’s encounter with fellow revolutionary Manmath Nath Gupta introduced him to Ram Prasad Bismil, who had formed the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). After the Kakori Train Robbery of 1925, Azad played a significant role in reorganizing the HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) with the aim of achieving an independent India based on socialist principles.
Activities in Jhansi: A Revolutionary Hub:
Jhansi became Azad’s stronghold, and he used the nearby forest of Orchha for shooting practice and training other members of the revolutionary group. Under the alias of Pandit Harishankar Bramhachari, Azad lived in a hut near a Hanuman temple, forging bonds with the local community and imparting socialist teachings to the youth.
Azad’s Last Stand: A Fearless End:
On 27th February 1931, the police surrounded Azad and his aide Sukhdev Raj in Alfred Park, Allahabad. In a fierce shootout, Azad valiantly defended himself and his comrade, eliminating three policemen before succumbing to his injuries. True to his name, “Azad” (The Free), he chose to take his own life rather than be captured alive, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and determination.
Legacy and Remembrance:
Chandra Shekhar Azad’s indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India’s freedom continue to inspire generations. Several institutions, roads, and public places across the country bear his name, immortalizing his memory. His life and sacrifices have been depicted in numerous films and television series, further spreading awareness about his fearless contribution to the freedom struggle.
As India remembers the birth anniversary of this immortal revolutionary on 23rd July, the nation pays tribute to Chandra Shekhar Azad, whose legacy lives on in the hearts of every Indian, encouraging them to stand up for justice, liberty, and the ideals for which he fought until his last breath.
