The Independence Day of India, celebrated religiously through out the country on the 15th of August every year, reminds each Indian the beginning of a new era from the clutches of British colonialism of more than 200 years. The struggle for freedom was a long and tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom fighters, who laid down their lives on the line.
“Old order should change, always and ever, yielding place to new, so that one good order may not corrupt the world.” – Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh, a great revolutionary that India has ever seen gave his life at the age of just 23 and became a martyr years before India eventually won her freedom from British rule. A sacrifice that inspired millions, a death that sparked a fire and a life that ignited one in the hearts of countless people – Bhagat Singh is truly one in a million.
Even though he was a Sikh by birth, his commitment towards the freedom movement was inexpicable that he shaved his beard and cut his hair to avoid arrest in Lahore. In a letter to Sukhdev, in April, 1929, Bhagat Singh wrote, “I emphasize that I am full of ambition and hope and of full charm of life. But I can renounce all at the time of need, and that is the real sacrifice.” He was a man of his word.
Bhagat Singh was hanged on 23rd March at 7.30 pm, 11 hours before the scheduled time. The authorities broke the rear wall of the jail and cremated him secretly, along with Raj Guru and Sukhdev near the Sutlej river.
Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi, was one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and became a symbol of resistance to the British Raj for Indian nationalists. November 19, the birth anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai, is celebrated as Martyr’s Day in Jhansi to honor the lives lost in the Rebellion of 1857.
Chandra Shekhar Azad was the quintessential firebrand revolutionary who fiercely craved independence for his country. A contemporary of Bhagat Singh, Azad never quite received the same levels of adoration for his deeds, yet his actions were no less heroic. “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 motherland.”
Subhash Chandra Bose was one of the most celebrated freedom fighters of India. He was a charismatic influencer of the youth and earned the epithet ‘Netaji’ by establishing and leading the Indian National Army (INA) during India’s struggle for independence. Bose’s primary ideology was always the freedom of his motherland even if meant taking help from fascists like Mussolini or Hitler.
Freedom is a precious gift of our freedom fighters. Feel the pride of being the part of such a glorious nation. We shed many tears to get this land back from the British colonialists, now fill it with love, happiness, and unity.
Happy Independence Day!
Vande Mataram! Jai Hind!
