2016-07-23 Sat

Chandra Shekhar Azad – a daring freedom fighter and a fearless revolutionary was born on 23rd July 1906. Born as Chandra Shekhar Tiwari, Azad was a son of a Pandit of small village of Madhya Pradesh. His mother wanted his son to be a great Sanskrit Scholar just like his father, however young Chandra Shekhar had something else in his mind. At a very young age he got involved in revolutionary activities. He joined the non-cooperation movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi.

At the age of 15 he received his first punishment. Chandra Shekhar was caught while indulging in revolutionary activities. When the magistrate asked him his name, he said “Azad” (meaning Free).

Chandrashekhar Azad was sentenced to fifteen lashes. With each stroke of the whip the young Chandrasekhar shouted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". From then on Chandra Shekhar assumed the title of Azad and came to known as Chandra Shekhar Azad.

When the non – cooperation movement halted in midway, Azad turned towards more aggressive and revolutionary ideals. He was a believer of socialism and co-founded the revolutionary party called 'The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association' He was a mentor to many revolutionaries including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev and many more.

He was famously known for his valorous act of Kakori Train Robbery and the assassination of Saunders right under the nose of the British Police. His name was at the top of the Most Wanted list of the British. However as he had taken the oath of that he would never be arrested by the British police and would die as a free man, the British never could capture or arrest him.

However, this clever freedom fighter was caught in a trap by a traitor. An informer gave away his whereabouts to the British. Despite of being surrounded with no help in sight, Azad fought valiantly. Knowing his future in the hands of the British, he shot himself with the last bullet he had and fulfilled his resolve to die as a 'free man'.

This leading revolutionary of India was commemorated by India Post. A 60paise stamp was issued in his memory in the year 1988. Mintage world pays tribute to this courageous man on his 110th Birth Anniversary.