Chandra Shekhar Azad: Biography and Story
Early Life
Chandra Shekhar Azad was born on July 23, 1906, in the village of Bhavra, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, to a Brahmin family. He was the son of Pandit Sitaram Tiwari and Jagrani Devi. His early education was in the town of Varanasi, where his passion for nationalism began to grow.
Azad’s sense of patriotism was ignited by the events around him and the oppressive British colonial rule in India. At the age of 15, during the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, he joined the national movement. While the movement was called off following the Chauri Chaura incident, Azad’s commitment to freedom did not waver. Disillusioned with Gandhi's non-violent approach after the movement was withdrawn, he chose a more radical path to fight British oppression.
Joining the Revolution
At the age of 15, Chandra Shekhar Azad was arrested for participating in a protest. When he was brought before the magistrate, Azad declared his name as "Azad" (meaning "free") and his father's name as "Swatantrata" (meaning "independence"). This was his first defiant act, and from that moment on, he became known as Chandra Shekhar Azad, a symbol of his unyielding desire for freedom.
Azad became associated with several revolutionary organizations, including the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which later evolved into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) under the leadership of Bhagat Singh and other prominent revolutionaries. The HSRA aimed to overthrow British rule by any means necessary, including armed rebellion.
Key Revolutionary Activities
Azad played a significant role in the Kakori Train Robbery (1925), which was a major event in the Indian freedom struggle. The aim of the robbery was to loot British government funds to finance revolutionary activities. Along with fellow revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, and others, Azad took part in this daring operation. Though the robbery was successful, it led to the arrest of several revolutionaries, and Azad went into hiding.
He was also involved in many underground activities, spreading the ideology of revolution and armed resistance against British colonialism. One of his most well-known revolutionary acts was his role in the 1929 Delhi Assembly Bombing. This event was organized by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt to protest against repressive laws. The bombing was not intended to cause harm but to make a bold statement against British rule.
Azad’s commitment to the cause and his tactical brilliance made him one of the most wanted revolutionaries by the British police.
The Azad and Bhagat Singh Connection
Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh shared a close bond, and Azad served as a mentor to Bhagat Singh and his group of young revolutionaries. Bhagat Singh was greatly influenced by Azad’s fearless nature, and both men worked together in their pursuit of India's freedom.
Azad believed that socialism and freedom should go hand in hand, and the two shared a vision of an India free from both colonial oppression and social injustices. Although Azad was an experienced leader, Bhagat Singh’s younger idealism and courage added new vigor to the cause.
The Final Stand: Martyrdom
Chandra Shekhar Azad’s life ended in a dramatic and heroic way. On February 27, 1931, Azad was surrounded by the British police in Alfred Park (now known as Chandra Shekhar Azad Park) in Allahabad. Despite being injured and outnumbered, Azad fought valiantly.
Azad’s resolve was unwavering; he chose death over capture. To prevent the British from taking him alive, Azad shot himself with his own revolver. It is believed that his last words were "I am Azad," symbolizing his unyielding determination to remain free, even in death. His death at the young age of 24 made him a martyr and an enduring symbol of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism in India’s fight for independence.
Legacy
Chandra Shekhar Azad is one of the most revered and celebrated freedom fighters in India. His courage, leadership, and ultimate sacrifice have made him a hero to generations of Indians. His resolve and commitment to the cause of independence are remembered through various monuments, institutions, and places named in his honor, such as Azad Maidan in Mumbai and Chandra Shekhar Azad Park in Allahabad.
Azad’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle remains a source of inspiration. His defiance of British oppression, his belief in violent revolution when necessary, and his readiness to sacrifice his life for his country have made him a legendary figure in Indian history. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest revolutionaries in the fight for India’s independence, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to uphold the values of freedom and justice.
Chandra Shekhar Azad’s life, though short, was filled with revolutionary acts that have left an indelible mark on India's fight for independence. His uncompromising spirit and his belief in freedom make him a timeless hero.
