Chandra Shekhar Azad, Indian revolutionary (b. 1906)

Born Chandrashekhar Sitaram Tiwari on July 23, 1906, in Badarka, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, and later moving to Bhavra village in Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh, he would etch his name into the annals of Indian history as Chandra Shekhar Azad. His parents, Sitaram Tiwari and Jagrani Devi, instilled in him a strong sense of values, but it was the burgeoning nationalist sentiment across British India that truly shaped his destiny. From a young age, Azad was drawn to the struggle for India's independence, a fire ignited during pivotal moments like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and further fuelled by Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement. It was during this period, after being arrested as a teenager and famously declaring his name as "Azad" (meaning 'free'), his father's name as "Swatantrata" (freedom), and his residence as "Jail" during his trial, that he earned the moniker he would carry into legend.

The Revolutionary Path: From HRA to HSRA

Chandra Shekhar Azad emerged as a pivotal figure in the Indian revolutionary movement, especially after the devastating blow dealt to the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). The HRA, founded by visionary leaders like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Roshan Singh, and Rajendra Nath Lahiri, had aimed to achieve India's independence through armed struggle. However, following the infamous Kakori Train Robbery in 1925—a daring act to fund their revolutionary activities—the British authorities launched a massive crackdown. This led to the arrest, trial, and eventual execution of the HRA's core leadership, including Bismil, Khan, Singh, and Lahiri. The movement faced an existential crisis, its ranks decimated and its future uncertain.

It was in this critical juncture that Azad's indomitable spirit and leadership proved indispensable. He took on the monumental task of reorganizing the shattered remnants of the HRA, not merely to revive it, but to imbue it with a new, more comprehensive vision. Under his astute guidance and with the influence of fellow revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, the association was reborn as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928. This addition of "Socialist" to the name signified a crucial ideological evolution; it wasn't just about political freedom from British rule, but also about establishing a society free from socio-economic exploitation. The HSRA, with Azad serving as its commander-in-chief, aimed for a truly liberated India where justice and equality prevailed.

Azad often employed the pseudonym "Balraj" when signing pamphlets issued as the commander-in-chief of the HSRA, a small detail reflecting the clandestine nature of their operations. The HSRA went on to execute several significant revolutionary acts, including the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in Lahore in 1928—an act of retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai—and the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi in 1929 by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt. These actions, meticulously planned under Azad's leadership, were not just acts of defiance but powerful statements designed to awaken the Indian populace and strike fear into the hearts of the colonial rulers.

Legacy and Sacrifice

Chandra Shekhar Azad's commitment to India's freedom was absolute. He famously pledged that he would never be captured alive by the British. This vow culminated in a heroic stand on February 27, 1931. Cornered by police at Alfred Park (now known as Azad Park) in Allahabad, he fought valiantly for a considerable period, single-handedly holding off the armed forces. When left with a single bullet, true to his pledge, he shot himself, choosing martyrdom over surrender. His sacrifice, though tragic, deeply resonated with the people, solidifying his image as an unwavering patriot and a symbol of courage in the fight for India's independence. His legacy continues to inspire generations, embodying the spirit of selflessness and revolutionary zeal.

FAQs About Chandra Shekhar Azad

Who was Chandra Shekhar Azad?

Chandra Shekhar Azad was a prominent Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter who played a crucial role in the struggle for India's independence from British rule. He reorganized the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).

When was Chandra Shekhar Azad born and when did he die?

He was born on July 23, 1906, and tragically died on February 27, 1931, during a shootout with British police in Alfred Park, Allahabad.

What was the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)?

The HSRA was a revolutionary organization in India, reformed by Chandra Shekhar Azad from the earlier HRA. It advocated for India's complete independence from British rule, emphasizing not just political freedom but also socialist ideals of socio-economic equality.

Why did he choose the name "Azad"?

He adopted the surname "Azad" (meaning 'free') after a childhood incident where, upon being arrested and brought before a magistrate, he declared his name as "Azad," his father's name as "Swatantrata" (freedom), and his residence as "Jail," signifying his unwavering commitment to freedom.

What was Chandra Shekhar Azad's role in the Indian freedom struggle?

He was a fearless leader who revitalized the revolutionary movement after the setback of the Kakori Conspiracy. As the commander-in-chief of the HSRA, he orchestrated several significant actions against the British and inspired countless youths to join the cause for India's independence.

What was his connection to Ram Prasad Bismil?

Chandra Shekhar Azad was a close associate of Ram Prasad Bismil, who was a founder of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). After Bismil's execution following the Kakori Conspiracy, Azad took the mantle of leadership to reorganize the revolutionary movement.