Chandra Shekhar Azad

News: Chandra Shekhar Azad is in the news as February 27, 2025, marked the anniversary of his martyrdom.

About Chandra Shekhar Azad (1906–1931)

• He was a revolutionary freedom fighter who played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence against British rule.
• He was born on July 23, 1906, in Bhabhra, Madhya Pradesh.
• He was deeply influenced by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and joined the Non-Cooperation Movement at a young age.
• When he was arrested, he boldly declared his name as “Azad” (Free) in court and was sentenced to 15 lashes as punishment.
• On February 27, 1931, he was cornered by British police in Alfred Park, Allahabad.
• Instead of surrendering, he fought valiantly and ultimately shot himself with his last bullet, fulfilling his vow to never be captured alive.

Key Contributions to the Freedom Struggle

• Joining the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) (1924): Chandra Shekhar Azad became a member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which was led by Ram Prasad Bismil. He played a key role in raising funds for revolutionary activities, often through political dacoities.
• Kakori Train Robbery (1925): Azad was involved in the infamous Kakori Train Robbery, in which revolutionaries looted a British train carrying treasury money.
• Reorganizing HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) (1928): In 1928, Azad, along with Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries, transformed the HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Under this new identity, the organization embraced socialist ideology and aimed to overthrow British rule through armed resistance.
• Assassination of John Saunders (1928): Azad and his comrades planned the assassination of James A. Scott, the British police officer responsible for the attack on Lala Lajpat Rai, who had died due to police brutality. However, due to mistaken identity, they ended up killing John Saunders instead.
• Attempt to Blow Up Lord Irwin’s Train (1929): In an attempt to assassinate Viceroy Lord Irwin, Azad and his comrades planned to blow up his train. However, the plan ultimately failed.