New Delhi, 09 August (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and several other leaders on Sunday paid heartfelt tributes to the national heroes and immortal freedom fighters on the anniversaries of the Quit India Movement and the Kakori Train Action.

Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, remembered all those who participated in the historic Quit India Movement and said their courage would continue to inspire every Indian. He said the call to “Quit India”, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, infused new energy into the freedom struggle and reflected the unwavering resolve of the people to free the country from colonial rule.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Mahatma Gandhi’s call of “Do or Die” became a powerful voice of courage and determination for millions of Indians during that period. Countless known and unknown freedom fighters endured imprisonment, faced hardships and sacrificed their lives during the movement.

Birla said their struggle was not limited to political independence but was also aimed at building an India founded on the principles of truth, non-violence, democracy, equality and patriotism. He said remembering the great freedom fighters during the Amrit Kaal of independence inspires the nation to continue strengthening its democratic values and constitutional ideals while keeping national interest paramount.

Amit Shah said the movement united the people of the country and instilled in them the resolve and indomitable courage to fight for freedom from British rule. He said the day marking the August Revolution inspires citizens to place national interest above everything else, embrace Swadeshi, contribute to building a self-reliant India and work towards realising the vision of a developed India.

Referring to the Kakori Train Action, Shah described it as an unforgettable chapter in the freedom struggle that gave fresh impetus to the armed revolutionary movement against the injustice and oppression of British rule. He said under the leadership of revolutionaries such as Chandrashekhar Azad and Ram Prasad Bismil, the brave freedom fighters demonstrated through their courage and dedication that the resources of the country belonged to its people. He added that the nation would remain forever indebted to all the immortal revolutionaries associated with the Kakori Train Action.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that on this day in 1942, Indians launched the Quit India Movement against British rule under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the movement generated a new wave of national consciousness across the country and inspired countless Indians to unite and fight for freedom. He said the freedom secured through the sacrifice, perseverance and struggle of Mahatma Gandhi, the valiant freedom fighters and martyrs remains one of India’s greatest national legacies. Continuing that legacy by working towards building a strong, prosperous, self-reliant and developed India, he said, would be the true tribute to them.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said the contribution of the brave freedom fighters to India’s independence remains an invaluable national legacy.

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh urged citizens to resolve to play an active role in nation-building and work towards creating the strong and prosperous India envisioned by the freedom fighters.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the August Revolution was a historic chapter in India’s freedom struggle that rekindled the flame of independence and strengthened the people’s resolve to fight for freedom. He said the nation would always remember the sacrifice, struggle and dedication of the freedom fighters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar