चंद्रशेखर आझाद: A Pioneer of Bharatiya Independence !

Introduction

Hindu Dharma has a glorious past of great Saints and Sages. Several Saints ascended to the state of a Guru and showed the path of God realisation to many. They also taught spirituality to society through their conduct and actions. Their mission was not just limited to spirituality but they also did substantial work for the defence of the Nation whenever it was in difficulties. Some of the Saints travelled all over the world and disseminated the spiritual knowledge of Bharat there without any personal expectations. Millions of people abroad are getting the benefit of their efforts. For the past many lakhs of years, the Sages have made tremendous efforts to preserve Vedic Knowledge which is the pride of Bharat. They also created many subjects connected with human life. The most important thing however is that the Saints of Bharat have gifted to the world the tradition of the Guru-disciple relationship.

The current scene however is different. Cricketers, movie heroes and heroines have become the ideals of Hindus. Also the two vices of selfishness and narrow mindedness have become dominant in Hindus which is causing a lot of harm to Hindu society. Under such circumstances it has become essential to study and follow the life of Saints who have imparted the teaching of sacrifice, love, devotion to Righteousness, devotion to the Nation, helping society and kashtradharma (duty of a warrior). We are hereby publishing the matter related to them so that people will get to know about such great Saints and be inspired by them. We pray at the feet of God that, ‘May all Hindus get the inspiration to study and follow their biography and teachings’.

Chandrashekhar Azad (23^rd July 1906 - 27^th February 1931)

Chandrashekhar Azad was a Bharatiya revolutionary from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Chandershekhar believed that his Dharma was to fight for the Nation. He said a soldier never relinquishes his weapon. Chandershekhar was involved in the Kakori Train Robbery (1926), in the attempt to blow up the Viceroy's train (1926), and in the shooting of Saunders at Lahore (1928) to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai. He formed the 'Hindustan Socialist Republican Association'. He was an ideal for revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Batukeshwar Dutt, and Rajguru.

Chandrashekhar was deeply troubled by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919. That fired him to start the struggle against the British. He received his first punishment at the age of fifteen, when he was caught indulging in revolutionary activities ! When the magistrate asked him his name, he said 'Azad' (meaning free). He was sentenced to fifteen lashes. With each stroke of the whip the young Chandrashekhar shouted "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" [Hail the Mother-land !]. From then on Chandrashekhar assumed the title of 'Azad' and came to be known as Chandrashekhar Azad. Azad vowed that he would never be arrested by the British police and would die a free man.

Azad was attracted towards the more aggressive and revolutionary ideals. He committed himself to achieving independence by any means. Azad and his compatriots would target British officials known for their oppressive actions against ordinary people and freedom fighters. Along with Bhagat Singh and other compatriots like Sukhdev and Rajguru, Azad formed the 'Hindustan Socialist Republican Association' (HRSA). HRSA was committed to attain independence for Bharat. Azad was a terror for the British police. He was on their hit list and the British police badly wanted to capture him dead or alive. On 27th February 1931, Azad met two of his comrades in Alfred Park, Allahabad. He was betrayed by an informer who had revealed his whereabouts to the British police. The police surrounded the park and ordered Azad to surrender. Azad was shot in the thigh. Later seeing no means of escape he shot himself with his last bullet. Thus he kept his pledge of not being caught alive.
सौजन्य :- http://www.hindujagruti.org/articles/8.html