Remembering Chandrashekhar Azad on His 119th Birth Anniversary
By Amit Kumar
On this day, 23 July 2025, India proudly remembers one of its greatest revolutionaries,
Chandrashekhar Azad on his 119th birth anniversary. A fearless patriot and a symbol of youth-led
resistance, Azad continues to inspire generations with his unwavering dedication to the motherland.
Born in 1906 in Bhavra village in present-day Madhya Pradesh, Azad’s nationalist spirit awakened at
an early age. At just 15, he was arrested for participating in Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation
Movement. When presented before a British magistrate, he declared his name to be “Azad”
(meaning free), his father’s name “Swatantrata” (freedom), and his residence “Jail.” From that day
on, he was known as Chandrashekhar Azad, and he pledged never to be captured alive by the
British.
Following the suspension of the movement, Azad aligned himself with more radical forces fighting
for complete independence. He joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which later
became the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Along with revolutionaries like
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, Azad organized several bold acts of resistance against colonial
rule.
He played a crucial role in the Kakori Train Robbery of 1925, which aimed to seize government funds
for revolutionary activities. He also played a key role in planning the assassination of British officer
J.P. Saunders in 1928, carried out to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
Azad was known for his marksmanship, tactical mind, and ability to evade arrest. But on 27 February
1931, he was surrounded by British police in Alfred Park, Allahabad. True to his vow, he used his last
bullet on himself rather than be captured, achieving martyrdom at just 24.
On this 119th birth anniversary, we honor Chandrashekhar Azad not just as a revolutionary, but as
an enduring symbol of India’s fight for freedom. His bravery, sacrifice, and unshakable resolve remain
etched in the nation’s heart. Let us remember him with pride, and draw inspiration from his legacy to
uphold the values of justice, liberty, and courage.