Chandra Shekhar Azad, popularly known as Azad, was born on July 23, 1906, in Madhya Pradesh as Chandra Shekhar Tiwari. His mother wanted him to become a scholar in Sanskrit but destiny has its own plans, he became one of the notable Indian revolutionaries.
Azad was deeply moved by the Jallianwala Bagh incident which took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab.
He participated in the non-corporation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and when the movement was at its peak Chandra Shekhar was arrested. There he gave his name as “Azad (free)”, his father’s name as “Swatantrata (Independence)” and his residence as “Jail”. But the movement was suspended in 1922 and Azad was disappointed.
He then met a young revolutionary, Manmath Nath Gupta who introduced him to Ram Bismil who had founded the Hindustan Republic Association (HRA) and later after the death of Ram Bismil, Azad reorganized the Hindustan Republican Association under its new name – Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Azad was the chief strategist of the HSRA.
He used his favorite verse to motivate all which said: “Dushman ki goliyon ka hum samna karenge, Azad hi rahein hain, Azad he rahenge!”
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Here are some of his famous quotes which can ignite the spirit of patriotism in use:
“If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins. For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland.” – Chandra Shekhar Azad
“I believe in a religion that propagates freedom, equality and brotherhood.” – Chandra Shekhar Azad
“If someone is not devoted to the nation then his life is a waste.” – Chandra Shekhar Azad
Many politicians took Twitter to pay tribute to the brave son of India on his birth anniversary. Here are some of them:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Remembering the valiant son of Bharat Mata, the remarkable Chandra Shekhar Azad on his Jayanti. During the prime of his youth, he immersed himself in freeing India from the clutches of imperialism. He was also a futuristic thinker, and dreamt of a strong and just India.”
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Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu wrote, “What is the meaning of such a youth which is not useful for the motherland.
Tribute to your struggle and sacrifice for freedom on the birth anniversary of immortal revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad. Our freedom is a legacy of your sacrifice and struggle. The nation will always be indebted to such great personalities. #ChandrashekharAzad”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute and tweeted, “Chandrashekhar Azad's bravery was such that even the British used to bow down before him. Azad lived and realized the idea of an independent India from childhood and remained free till his last breath. The flame of freedom that was ignited by his sacrifice is now burning in the heart of every Indian as an immortal flame of patriotism.”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s tweet read, “Tributes to the great revolutionary of Indian freedom struggle Amar Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Ji on his birth anniversary.”