Born on July 23, 1906, Chandrashekhar Azad has always been an iconic figure in the Indian Independence movement. He was born in Madhya Pradesh as Chandra Shekhar Tiwari which he later changed to “Azad” (the free), while joining the Non-Cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi on the year 1920.
Azad, at the age of 15, was arrested by the British for participating in the Non-Cooperation movement. When asked by the police, about his name and address, he said his name was “Azad” and his home is “jail”. After this incident, he was popular amongst the revolutionaries as “Azad”.
Azad, also gained prominence for his role in reorganizing the Hindu Republican Association (HRA) to the Hindu Socialist Republican Association. He was amongst the revolutionaries who transformed the meaning of resistance and were not hesitant to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their motherland.
Chandra Shekhar Azad, refusing to bow down, shot himself in Alfred Park in Allahabad after being surrounded by the police in a gun battle.
Today, on his 114th birth anniversary, we revisit and revive some of the quotes eloquently put by Azad in his life.
“Mera naam Azad, mere pita ka naam swadheen aur mera ghar jail hai”
“A plane is always safe on the ground, but it is not made for that. Always take some meaningful risks in life to achieve great heights”
“I believe in religion that propagates freedom, equality and brotherhood”
“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”
“Don’t see others doing better than you, beat your own records everyday because success is a fight between you and yourself”
