Chandrashekhar Azad, born on July 23, 1906, was an Indian revolutionary who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. He is often remembered for his fearless and militant approach towards fighting for India's freedom from British colonial rule. Azad was the founder of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization formed in 1928 with the aim of achieving complete independence for India through armed struggle.
Azad was born in Bhavra, a small village in present-day Madhya Pradesh, India. His family was poor, and Azad had to drop out of school early to support his family. He was deeply influenced by the ideals of the Indian independence movement and joined the Non-Cooperation Movement at a young age. However, he was disillusioned by the non-violent approach of the movement and felt that more radical measures were needed to achieve independence for India.
In 1928, Azad formed the HSRA along with fellow revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and others. The organization was committed to the overthrow of the British colonial rule in India and the establishment of a socialist state. The HSRA carried out a number of revolutionary activities, including bombing the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi in 1929, which Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt carried out. Azad was present outside the Assembly and managed to escape after the bombing. He continued to evade the British authorities and became a symbol of resistance and rebellion.
On February 27, 1931, Chandrashekhar Azad had planned to meet with other revolutionaries in Alfred park in Allahabad (now prayagraj). However, the British police had received information about the meeting and were waiting for them. As soon as Azad entered the park, he realized that he was being followed by the police. He immediately drew his pistol and started firing at the police.
The police retaliated, and a fierce gun battle ensued. Azad fought bravely, holding off the police to allow his fellow revolutionaries to escape. During the encounter, two policemen were killed, and many others were injured. Azad, however, was determined not to be captured alive by the British, and he shot himself in the head with his last bullet, sacrificing his life for the cause of Indian independence.
Chandrashekhar Azad is remembered as a martyr and hero of the Indian independence movement. He was a fearless revolutionary who stood up against the might of the British Empire and fought for the freedom of his country. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to stand up for their rights and fight for justice.