Chandra Shekhar Azad

Chandra Shekhar Azad was one of the aggressive revolutionaries, who fiercely craved independence for his country, India. Though a contemporary to Bhagat Singh, Azad never quite received the same levels of adoration, yet his efforts and actions were no less heroic.

His only goal throughout his life was to create as much problem for the Britishers as he could.

His famous proclamation, ‘Dushman Ki Goliyon Ka Saamna Hum Karenge, / Azad Hi Rahe Hain, Aur Azad Hi Rahenge’, which translates into, ‘I will face the bullets of the enemies, I have been free and I’ll forever be free,’ is exemplary of his dedication toward his beloved country.

 After the Jalliawala Bagh Massacre that took place in 1919, the nation was gripped by anti-British revolutionaries, of which, Chandra Shekhar Azad was a part.

The real name of Chandra Shekhar Azad was Chandra Shekhar Tiwari. In 1920-1921, when Gandhiji declared a Non-Cooperation movement, Chandra Shekhar was a mere teen but filled with nationalist sentiments, participated in several demonstrations. This 16-year-old Chandra Shekhar was arrested in one of these.

When asked about his name, father’s name and the residence. He replied that his name was ‘Azad’ (Free), His father’s name ‘Swatantrata’ (Freedom) and his residence is Prison Cell.

Chandra Shekhar was sentenced to receive 15 whiplashes as punishment. The day, then on, he was recognised as Chandra Shekhar Azad.

Chandra Shekhar Azad along with other revolutionaries on the guidance of Ram Prasad Bismil looted a train carrying treasure money, in order to buy the weapons for revolutionary activities from it. In the gunfight between the arm guards and the revolutionaries, one passenger died. The British government declared this as murder and launched an intense manhunt for the revolutionaries involved.

Azad evaded the arrest and continued the activities from Jhansi.

Azad along with 29 others were charged in the Lahore Conspiracy Case Trial, but he was among the few who the British authorities were unable to capture.

The level of nuisance Azad created for British Government is evident from the effort they put to capture him, dead or alive. A reward of ₹ 30,000 was announced to capture Azad. This huge amount led to the leakage of vital information about a meeting at Alfred Park, Allahabad.

The pre-informed police surrounded the park and asked for surrender. Azad fought valiantly and killed three policemen. But soon noticing his exhaustion ammunition and no means of escape, he shot himself in the head with his last bullet.