Yogi Adityanath’s Homage to Lala Lajpat Rai: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid a heartfelt tribute to Lala Lajpat Rai, one of the foremost leaders of the Indian independence movement, on Twitter. He remembered Rai as ‘Punjab Kesari’, a freedom fighter whose immortal sacrifice kindled the flame of independence and vehemently opposed British rule. The CM remarked, “His entire life is an inspiration for the patriots,” recognizing Rai’s enduring influence on Indian nationalism.
About Lala Lajpat Rai
Born on 28 January 1865, Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent Indian revolutionary, politician, and author. Affectionately known as ‘Lala’, an honorific title, he was a key figure in the Indian independence struggle. Rai earned the moniker ‘Punjab Kesari’ for his fierce spirit and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom. He was a part of the legendary Lal Bal Pal trio, which played a pivotal role in the early 20th-century Indian nationalist movement.
Lala Lajpat Rai’s legacy is particularly remembered for his tragic yet heroic end. He succumbed to severe head injuries inflicted by a police baton charge on 17 November 1928, 18 days after he led a peaceful protest in Lahore against the Simon Commission, which was set up by the British to report on Indian constitutional reforms. His death not only caused nationwide anguish but also further ignited the struggle for Indian independence, making him a symbol of sacrifice and resistance against colonial oppression.
