Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Chandra Shekhar Azad on his birth anniversary, emphasizing his significant role in India's freedom struggle and inspiring youth to champion justice with courage.

In a X post, the Prime Minister said; “Tributes to Chandra Shekhar Azad on his birth anniversary. He epitomised unparalleled valour and grit. His role in India’s quest for freedom is deeply valued and motivates our youth to stand up for what is just, with courage and conviction.

Chandra Shekhar Azad, born as Chandra Shekhar Tiwari on 23 July 1906 in Bhabhra village, grew up in a Kanyakubja Brahmin family in Alirajpur. His mother aspired for him to be a Sanskrit scholar and enrolled him in Kashi Vidyapeeth. At 15, he joined the Non-Cooperation Movement, was arrested, and adopted the name Azad. Disheartened by Gandhi's suspension of the movement in 1922, he connected with revolutionary figures, including Ram Prasad Bismil, joining the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) and engaging in fund-raising through robberies. He participated in key revolutionary acts such as the Kakori Train Robbery and the assassination of John P. Saunders.

In 1928, he contributed to reorganizing the HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) with Bhagat Singh and others, aiming for a socialist India. Azad was instrumental in the plot to kill police Superintendent James A. Scott, leading to Saunders' death instead. Operating from Jhansi, Azad became a skillful marksman and fostered community relations while also learning to drive. He built a base in Jhansi, training revolutionaries and forming alliances with key local figures. His life and revolutionary contributions were extensively chronicled by fellow HSRA member Manmath Nath Gupta.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar